Tibbits Opera House Announces 2019 Popcorn Theatre Titles
COLDWATER –Tibbits Popcorn Theatre will delight audiences with its 31st season featuring five shows created specifically for kids and their families to enjoy Friday and Saturday mornings from June through August.
A time-honored tradition, Popcorn Theatre is the perfect way to introduce kids to live theatre performed by professionals. Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr stated, “I am pleased we are offering such a diverse season for our younger audience members. We have three beloved stories with “Goldilocks,” “Pinocchio” and “The Wind in the Willows.” He continued with, “I am thrilled juggler Josh Casey is coming back to start the season.” “And make sure you are ready to laugh with the second “Classic Cartoon Cavalcade” in July.”
Opening Popcorn Theatre, touring artist Josh Casey returns for his fun, surprising show filled with comedy and stunts from catching a guitar with his face, to pogo sticks, spinning balls and slick juggling moves with the audience fully part of the action. “Josh Casey Comedy Juggler” is sponsored by a first-time sponsor Vested Risk Strategies and will open on June 21-22.
Next, the famous fairy tale, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” makes its way to the stage. In this dance-infused version of the classical tale, the little girl lost in the woods twirls her way into the home of the three bears as well as the audiences’ hearts. This fun and amusing version will be performed by members of the Tibbits Summer Theatre Company, with Great Lakes Chiropractic, a sponsor since 2005, sponsoring the show. The show runs June 28-29 and July 5-6.
“The Wind in the Willows” follows close behind. The delightful characters and beloved tale come to life when Humble Mole, practical Water Rat, excitable Toad, and much-put-upon old Badger band together to outwit the lowlife Weasels. This production, also performed by Tibbits Company members, is sponsored by Matthew C. Christopher, DDS who has been a sponsor since 2015. “The Wind in the Wills” takes stage July 12, 13, 19, and 20.
Inspired by the uproarious laughter last year, the “Classic Cartoon Cavalcade” will feature a new collection of classic cartoon shorts in the fashion of the Saturday matinees of yesteryear. This show is sponsored by Edward Jones agencies of Tracy Kelley and B.J. West. Though Tracy has been a sponsor since 2015, this marks B.J. West’s first time as one. Movies will play on the big screen July 26 and 27.
Wrapping up the Popcorn Theatre season is “Pinocchio.” The beloved Pinocchio’s quest to become a real boy derails when he tangles first with tricksters Fox and Cat, then Lampwick and his no-good buddies in the Land of Toys. Honor Credit Union will be sponsoring this show and has been a long-time sponsor since 2005. Tibbits Company members will perform “Pinocchio” August 2, 3, 9, and 10.
Overall Popcorn Theatre sponsors include Battle Creek Community Foundation and Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbner. The popcorn is donated by Ed Lake, with the juice donated by McDonald’s-The MaynardOrganization.
All Tibbits Popcorn Theatre presentations show Friday and Saturdays at 10am. Patrons will be treated to free popcorn and juice at intermission. After each performance, audiences have the opportunity to meet the actors, get autographs, and pose for photos.
The box office at the theatre is open for the summer, Monday-Friday, from 9am-5pm. Tickets are $9 (price includes fees) and are also available at Tibbits.org, or by calling 517-278-6029. Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. Group and family rates are available.
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