Tibbits Opera House Introduces Another Great Season of Professional Theater
By Christine Delaney
“
Scattered across the nation, small-town, summer stock theatres are like
hidden jewels that, unless you are specifically looking for them, often
go unnoticed,”
wrote Beth Leonard, Artistic Director of Stephens
College Okoboji  Summer Theater in Spirit Lake, Iowa in an article for
USA TODAY. Featured in the Life Section under Destinations and Diversions,
the July 15, 2005 article named Tibbits Professional Summer Theatre one
of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway.”
Just as Momma Rose predicted in Gypsy!, it will be, “Curtain up!
Light the lights,” as Coldwater and Tibbits welcome the 43rd consecutive
Summer Stock Season, and it promises to be a real blinger.
Oliver! opens the season, complete with ragged urchins, “Food,
glorious food,” and a rich brew of exuberant dance, comedy and
popular music, including “Consider Yourself,” and “You’ve
Got to Pick-A-Pocket or Two.” Lionel Bart’s smash hit runs
from June 21 through July 1.
Happily and appropriately sponsored by a local funeral home, the classic
comedy Arsenic and Old Lace (complete with “Teddy Roosevelt,” sweet
Aunties and uniquely powerful Elderberry wine,) hits the Tibbits stage
July 5 through July 15.
Watch for poodle skirts, ponytails, Drive-ins, bobby sox and the 50s
music of Jim Jacob’s and Warren Casey’s Tony nominated musical,
Grease, on July 19 – July 29. Not far from Tibbits, Coldwater is
the home of another blast from the past, the Capri Drive-In Theater,
under the stars just west of town. And if you’re in town on the
right weekend, the streets of Coldwater sound like school’s out
at Rydell High when the annual “Remember the Alamo” car cruise
roars through town.
Cole Porter’s romantic musical comedy You’ll Never Know,
set in 1929 Paris, closes the season, running August 2 through August
12. It’s a sign of the enduring connection audience members feel
when they leave a theater humming or singing the timeless musical gifts
of talents like Cole Porter.
If that’s not enough, consider the wildly popular Popcorn Theatre
shows. Children of all ages pack the theater every Friday and Saturday
morning from June 16 through July 29. Their gleeful reactions to music,
comedy and live theater are fitting responses to performances by professional
cast members and the magic of live theater. They also polish off astounding
quantities of popcorn and juice during intermissions, provided free with
the ticket price. This summer’s shows include Rapunzel, Beauty
and the Beast,Back When the Animals Talked, and OPUS Mime.
All productions take place in the intimate setting of the Tibbits Opera
House built in 1882; one of the few remaining stand alone opera houses
from the era. Tibbits’ rich history includes incredible performers
and performances and a roller coaster ride of threats to the magnificent
structure. Currently the grand old lady is getting her groove back, thanks
to an aggressive restoration and renovation campaign that recently added
handicap accessibility.
Visitors to the area will find a variety of Bed and Breakfasts, motels,
restaurants and unique shops. Coldwater is ringed with lakes and woods,
offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed
before the curtain goes up.
Tickets (season, group and single) are now on sale.
For more information:
(517) 278-6029
10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Tibbits
Opera House
14 S. Hanchett St
downtown Coldwater.
www.tibbits.org
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