Tibbits Popcorn Theatre returns for its 39th season with family-friendly shows to fill Friday and Saturday mornings from June 12 through August 8, including three plays brought to life by Tibbits’ professional Summer Theatre company members and “Cirque Amongus,” an immersive experience in circus arts!
Popcorn Theatre kicks off with “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ ” June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Get ready for a musical experience, direct from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! In “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!,’ ” an elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that is perfect for young audiences.
On July 10 and 11, “Cirque Amongus” offers an immersive circus experience with hands-on programs designed to build self-esteem, develop motor skills and promote teamwork. Kids are introduced to the fundamentals of circus arts—juggling, movement and balancing—in a safe, fun-filled and educational environment. Then, on July 17, 18, 24 and 25, Popcorn Theatre presents “Balloonacy.” Everything changes for a solitary old man when a red balloon drifts through his window, bringing some serious silliness with it. Without a single spoken word, this sweet, inventive and uplifting show—along with touching reminders of the ups and downs of building a friendship—is a tender and laugh-filled delight for children of all ages!
As the summer winds down, Popcorn Theatre will close with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on July 31, and August 1, 7 and 8. After leaving wartime London to stay in the English countryside, the four Pevensie siblings discover an old wardrobe that leads to the fantasy world of Narnia. Currently under the wintry spell of the evil White Witch, the people of Narnia have almost given up hope for the return of the great lion, Aslan, their true leader. A fierce battle takes place to see whether or not this magical country will, once again, know freedom and summer under good King Aslan. A charming play about faith, courage and the love of freedom.
Tickets for these Popcorn shows are priced $10 each, and include complimentary popcorn and juice, donated by Dr. Ed Lake and McDonald’s: The Maynard Organization. Children ages 2 and under are free but must have a comp ticket reserved by calling the Tibbits box office at 517.278.6029. Discounts for groups and families of five or more are also available by calling the box office. Families are encouraged to secure their tickets early for these popular shows. They can be purchased at Tibbits.org, by calling Tibbits Opera House, or visiting the administration office located at 93 West Chicago St.
Tibbits extends its heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who make these performances possible: Dr. Jon and Seibra Herbener, Highstreet, Vested Rick Strategies, and Matthew C. Christopher, DDS, PC. Additional support provided by The Philip & Sarah Rosenberg Family Trust. Their generous support played a crucial role in bringing these vibrant cultural experiences to the community.
