Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater is Getting a Makeover

Barton S. Tibbits spent his fortune to give the town of Coldwater a 'grand theatre'. There is a wonderful history on their very helpful and informative website.

Tibbits is known for its professional summer stock and children's theatre productions, as well as serving as a concert hall and community theatre venue in the winter season.

Now the historic building, which has seen many changes over the years, is working to restore the original facade. Check out this article on Encore Michigan that details the work done so far. And, if you haven't been to Tibbits, add it to your list of 'must see' places.

Purple Rose Presents a World Premiere

"Some Couples May… is the third play of Crim's to world-premiere at Purple Rose (after Wake and Growing Pretty), the company that native Jeff Daniels founded in his hometown of Chelsea, MI, 60 miles west of Detroit. The PRTC mission is to produce new American plays and create opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals." To read the complete article, got to Playbill HERE.

The play "charts one woman's journey with her family through the challenges and heartbreak of infertility to the promise of motherhood."  (Some Couples May... contains strong language and sexual situations.)

For more information, visit www.PurpleRoseTheatre.org.

How Did I Miss This?

Apparently there is a fairly new theatre in Kalamazoo. They are now in their THIRD season. How did I miss this?

"The Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional ensemble based non-profit performance company dedicated to production popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique and intimate setting."

The reason this new performance venue came to my attention was the announcement I saw in Playbill for an upcoming production of A Catered Affair directed Joe Aiello with Scott Burkell and Barbara Marineau. If you were a fan of the Barn Theatre in Augusta these names should be familiar to you. (The Barn went dark last season after being in business for over 60 years. Their website says there will be a 2011 Season. I hope that's true.)

The Bon Ton Room to Close

It's been a difficult 24 hours as word spread throughout the cabaret and theatre community in Jackson that their beloved Bon Ton Room would be closing forever at the end of April. The space, a creation of Matt Davis and Lisa Kuchuk, had become the gathering place for Jackson talent, nurturing and showcasing performers.

You can read the article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot by clicking HERE.

MOVIES CONTINUE AT THE CROSWELL

The Croswell, located in Adrian, Michigan announces Sunday Cinema throughout the spring, plus extra Family Friday’s and a St. Patrick’s Day Film!  The film schedule through early April is below. 

Tickets for the movies are $5 for adults, $2 for anyone under 18.  Kids 5 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door, beginning one hour before show time.  

For information about tickets, call the Croswell Box Office at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in at the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org.  For more information about Sunday Cinema at the Croswell please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org

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Friday, March 11, at 6:30pm Family Friday Special Includes FREE POPCORN!

The Princess Bride (1987) Rated PG

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).  Directed by Rob Reiner.  Perfect for the whole family!

Sunday, March 13, at 6:00pm

Wait Until Dark, (1967) Not Rated

Starring Audrey Hepburn as a recently blinded woman who is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment.

Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30pm

Waking Ned Devine, (1998) Rated PG

SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEATURE

When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money.

Friday, March 18 @ 6:30pm Family Friday Special Includes FREE POPCORN!

Ice Age, (2002) Rated PG

Set during the Ice Age, a sabertooth tiger, a sloth, and a wooly mammoth find a lost human infant, and they try to return him to his tribe. An animated feature for the whole family!

Sunday, March 20 @ 6:00pm

Walk the Line, (2005) Rated PG-13

A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Stars Joaquin Phoenix (Oscar nominated, best actor) and Reece Witherspoon (best actress Oscar).

Sunday, March 27

Special Marlon Brando & Director Elia Kazan Double Feature

Steetcar Named Desire (1951) @4:30pm

Disturbed Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law (Brando) while her reality crumbles around her.

On the Waterfront (1954) @7:00pm

An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.

Sunday, April 3

Tribute to Baseball’s Opening Week Double Feature

Rookie of the Year (1993) @ 4:30 Rated PG

When an accident miraculously gives a boy an incredibly powerful pitching arm, he becomes a major league pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

League of Their Own (1992) @ 6:30pm Rated PG

Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry.

Purple Rose Theatre Company Seeks Apprentices

now hiring APPRENTICE PROGRAM The Purple Rose is accepting apprentice applications for the 2011/2012 season. The apprentice program provides hands-on experience to young artists seeking a strong foundation to launch a professional theatre career. Each apprenticeship is a full-time position for the duration of four productions and provides training in all areas of production and administration. LEARN MORE

APPRENTICE PROGRAM positions are currently available starting in the spring, summer and fall. Contact apprentice chief Quintessa Gallinat  gallinat@purplerosetheatre.org for more information.