COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -Now in its 54th year, summer theatre at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater once again offers something for everyone with a program full of music, dancing, comedy, romance and drama.
Tibbits 2018 Summer Theatre Season begins in June with the poignant comedy Mixed Emotions, followed by the ultimate rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, the murderous musical romp A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and the hilarious Resident Alien.
Mixed Emotions by Richard Baer opens the season and runs June 14-16 and 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on June 14 and 20 at 2:00 p.m. Mixed Emotions is a gentle yet hilarious romantic comedy about two widowed friends in their 60s. Before the deaths of their spouses, the couples had been friends. Christine is in the process of moving to Florida, when out of the blue, Herman appears to request she stay and marry him. She thinks the idea is ridiculous, but Herman persists reliving old times as the movers take out her furniture, piece by piece.
One of the greatest stories ever told comes to life in the groundbreaking, iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, which runs June 28-30 and July 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on June 28 and a special Sunday matinee on July 1. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this show reinvented musical theater.
This global blockbuster retells the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. As Christ’s followers grow more fervent, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. Filled with an exciting mix of musical styles that draw upon 1970s rock, gospel, folk, and funk themes, this contemporary imagining of the biblical tale features high-energy dance and powerful storytelling.
Tibbits is also presenting audiences with their first opportunity to see the great musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, the winner of 2014 Best Musical (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League). With book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder will run July 19-21 and 26-28 at 7:30 p.m .with 2:00 p.m. matinees July 19 and 25.
A distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm… and a dash of murder. This musical takes a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs, and one actor who plays all eight of the heirs from the flamboyant country squire to the terrible actress to the aging war hero, all of whom meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways.
Finishing the TST season is Resident Alien by Stuart Spencer, which runs August 2-4 and 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. with 2:00 p.m. matinees August 2 and 8. A
udiences will laugh as they follow the story of Michael, whose son has been taken up into an alien spaceship. Michael deals with his testy ex-wife, her slow-witted new husband, and an “anything but by the book” sheriff who won’t believe him. His biggest challenge is an AWOL alien, only interested in watching reality TV and eating Cheese Doodles, who makes himself at home in Michael’s living room.
Along with the four Tibbits mainstage shows, every Friday and Saturday from June 22-August 4 features a variety of professional Popcorn Theatre shows for the kids at 10am. Titles will be announced at a later date.
The summer cabaret performances will be presented July 9 at Olivia’s Chop House in Jonesville, July 10 at Schuler’s in Marshall, and July 11 at 6 Autumns Food and Spirits in Angola, IN. The performance will feature professional actors from the summer cast who will sing a collection of contemporary and classic Broadway songs. Each restaurant will offer a different experience based on its strengths.
Season tickets for the mainstage shows are $109 with fees. Gift certificates are available for season tickets, individual shows, or for any denomination by calling 517.278.6029, by visiting the administrative offices at 93 W. Chicago St., or by going online to www.Tibbits.org.
The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.
