'Godspell' dances onto Tibbits' stage
Dancing across the stage with messages of kindness, community and love, Tibbits Summer Theatre continues its 59th consecutive season with “Godspell,” opening June 30.
In this energetic and vibrant musical, a small group playfully brings the parables of Jesus to life through a variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville includes "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All Good Gifts" and "Turn Back, O Man."
“In today’s world, what can often be lost is the fact that each of us must rely on each other to become the best versions of ourselves," said director chad Tallon. "No matter what our background is, the community we build is what continues to move us forward. It is this building of community and love that resonates so deeply within the story of Godspell.
“While this story is taken from parables in the Bible, it is the need for a strong, compassionate, and loving community of any shape, color, or background that resonates with everyone," Tallon said. "Godspell is, at its core, the most feel-good of musicals that delights audiences based on the bonds that are built between actors and the audience. We are nothing without each other and we all continue to strive to make each other better. That is Godspell. Thatis the story we are thrilled to tell at Tibbits.”
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (known for “Wicked,” “Pippen” and “Children of Eden”) and book by John Michael Tebelak, “Godspell” is directed by Tallon with musical direction by Lori Hatfield and choreography by Liz Davis and Dennis Dizon. The show features Tibbits Summer Theatre veterans Jack Hopewell, Liz Davis and Nile Birch, along with newcomers Gianna Branca, Dennis Dizon, Ruben Fernandez, Dominic Green, Rachel Schoenecker, and Kate Turner. Rachel Sarles will serve as a swing actor. The design staff features Aaron Bell as set designer and technical director, Kate Koskinen as costume designer, Jamie Gresens as lighting designer, props by Maddy Byrnes, Josh Rockwell as sound designer and Ariel Sheets as production stage manager.
Parrish Excavating sponsors “Godspell.”
Tickets range from $15-36 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. June 30, July 1 and July 7-9, with matinees on June 30, July 3 and July 6. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago Street 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, by calling (517) 278-6029, or at the box office in the theater one hour prior to all performances. All tickets are charged a facility/ticketing fee, whether in-person or not. There is no additional fee for ordering online.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
To add to the Tibbits experience, Tibbits Ghost Light Bar in the theatre’s lower-level art gallery is open before the show and at intermission. Patrons are also invited to view the rotating art gallery exhibits or the historic exhibit displays throughout the theatre.
All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St., in Coldwater. For additional information, visit Tibbits.org.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: 'Godspell' dances onto Tibbits' stage
