COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – As of now, Tibbits Summer Theatre will be still held this year but not as originally announced.
The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities has been a long time sponsor. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney told the Coldwater Board of Public Board of Directors Wednesday a lot has changed since she sent out sponsorship information almost two months ago thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of 50 people, the entire company for the summer has been reduced to 12.
With less members of the company, much smaller shows will be presented. Final plans have not been announced yet.
“The Man of La Mancha” and “Love Letters” will be retained from the original schedule but Delaney said it would be presented in what is called a reader’s theater style.
While there will still be music, that type of theater presentation would have the actors say their lines while seated. There would be no props, costumes, scenery or special lighting.
Social distancing would be maintained at all times.
All of the sponsors will be on board for the entire season instead of just one show like in the past.
The CBPU board approved a $5,500 sponsorship request from the Tibbits Wednesday.
According to Delaney in a statement on the theatre’s website, “We will present a unique schedule worthy of the reputation Tibbits Summer Theatre has established over the past 56 years. The shows, for this year will not have full sets or live orchestras. They will have great talent and many familiar faces. They won’t be full productions, but you will still be fulfilled…able to smile, laugh, tap your toe and maybe escape for a period of time. We will still have something for our youngest patrons even if it isn’t popcorn at intermission.”
While working remotely Tibbits staff have been devoted to “Keeping Theatre Alive” through activities and posts on its Facebook page, even while the doors of the opera house remain closed. Delaney stated, “The board and staff feel strongly that Tibbits has a role to play helping lift the community.”
Delaney also credited the Tibbits’ Summer Theatre sponsors saying, “It is only because of their support that this new season is able to occur.” Main sponsors include Vandervoort, Christ and Fisher, PC; Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include Coldwater Orthodontics; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; Great Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; and Vested Risk Strategies.
Tibbits will be reaching out to all who have tickets for the season or individual shows. They ask patrons to not call the office as staff is working remotely. Plans still assume that by July citizens will be allowed to again gather within the theatre.
Information on the new season, once finalized, will be posted at Tibbits.org.
