Tibbits Popcorn Theatre presents 'Patricia Polacco's Union City'
The characters of Michigan’s own award-winning children’s author/illustrator Patricia Polacco come to life as the Tibbits Summer Theatre company presents “Patricia Polacco’s Union City” at the historic theatre July 22-23 and July 29-30.
Written by Charles Burr and Bobb James, the play was first produced at Tibbits Opera House in 2007. A truly homegrown story, “Patricia Polacco’s Union City” intertwines tales from a variety of Polacco’s books, including “Some Birthday,” “The Bee Tree,” “Rotten Ritchie and the Ultimate Dare,” “Meteor!” “Thank You, Mr. Falker,” “My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother” and “Thunder Cake.”
Filled with double and triple dares, sibling rivalry, birthday surprises, classroom challenges, one very special teacher, and childhood fears put to rest by an ever-present ‘Babushka,’ the play overflows with adventure, wisdom and love. Through her stories, Polacco shares the true power and value of family.
Directed by Katherine Harte-DeCoux, the professional cast includes Tibbits veterans Stephanie Burdick, Jack Hopewell, Gloria Logan, and Matthew C. Scott as well as newcomers Annie Ross and Dominic Green with Rachel Sarles as swing. Production staff features scenic design by Peter Riopelle and Stephanie Burdick, light design by Tyler Evans, costume design by Kate Koskinen, properties by Liz Reaves, and sound design by Josh Rockwell, as well as Lori Wagoner as stage manager, Cordell Smith as technical director and Ruby Rodriguez as scenic artist.
Popcorn Theatre is generously sponsored by Jon and Seibra Herbener, the Bushouse Family and Coldwater Orthodontics and Aligner Center. Additional support is provided by Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Breco LLC, Dr. Matthew Christopher DDS, PC, Vested Risk Strategies, Coldwater Exchange Club and Great Lakes Chiropractic. Tibbits also receives funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Patricia Polacco’s Union City” runs at 10 a.m. July 22-23 and July 29-30 at Tibbits Opera House.
All Popcorn Theatre tickets are reserved and the $10 ticket price includes popcorn and juice at intermission. Popcorn is donated by Ed Lake, with juice donated by McDonald's: The Maynard Organization. Group and family discounts are available. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits office at 93 W. Chicago Street 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, by calling 517-278-6029, or at the box office one hour prior to performances.
Tibbits art gallery also features a solo art exhibit by Polacco from July 6 through Aug 29. There is no charge to visit the art gallery, which is open before all performances.
The Popcorn Theatre season will end with the “Classic Cartoon Cavalcade” Aug 5-6.
Tibbits Presents Late-Night Cabarets
“Life is a cabaret, old chum,” and Tibbits Summer Theatre will expand its entertainment offerings with several cabarets following performances of “Nunsense” on July 21-22.
This dynamic late-night performance features favorite Summer Theatre performers showcasing beloved Broadway songs. The exciting young company, all of whom were just seen in “Godspell,” will highlight classic songs from “Oklahoma!,” “West Side Story,” “The Pajama Game,” and many more. The night will also feature songs from the pen of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim.
Directed by Paul Kerr with music direction by Sarah Altenburg, performers include Nile Birch, Gianna Branca, Liz Davis, Dennis Dizon, Jack Hopewell, Annie Ross, Rachel Sarles, and Rachel Schoenecker. Production staff lighting by Tyler Evans, costumes by Alexander Estes, and sound design by Josh Rockwell, with Lori Wagoner as stage manager.
Shows on July 21 and 22 will begin just after 9:30 after “Nunsense” concludes. The $15 ticket price for this performance with its exclusive mix of solos, duets, trios and group arrangements includes a drink from the theatre’s Ghost Light Bar as well.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Entertainment
