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Strip the Tibbits
Getting Closer to Exposure
 Do you feel the excitement building? A new face for Tibbits is getting closer to reality.
As of November 22 we're $135,500 away from starting work. That's the amount needed to reach the immediate goal of $1,000,000, representing 100% of the match required for the Federal Scenic Byways grant of $500,000 and allows work to begin.
Architect Tom Roberts provided the above colored rendering of the stripped façade (c.1964) to show the elements involved in the façade restoration. The brown indicates the portion of the brick that was finish brick. The green indicates the areas covered with decorative metal which needs to be recreated. The areas marked with brown  hatch marks at the bottom of the building and at the very top above the center window are areas of brick likely requiring replacement. The blue sections at the top of the building needs complete rebuilding. Originally the roof angled and displayed the B and T (for Barton Tibbits); it was filled in with cement block in the 1930s. These areas will not be demolished until reconstruction begins but are likely to be the first areas rebuilt. Because of the age of the theatre and the federal funds involved, all work must be approved by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office to insure the historic value is preserved. That process has begun as has the bid invitations for the first part of the project, the demolition of the 1960s façade. In other words we are getting ourselves ready to proceed so when the funds are secured through cash or pledges, the scaffolding will rise. Fundraising will continue as the conditions are evaluated and restoration construction drawings are completed. The intention is to begin the rebuilding in the Spring of 2011. Can you feel how close we are? To make a donation, volunteer on the campaign or find out more, contact Christine Delaney at Tibbits at 517-278-6029. |
Big Name Entertainment Audiences of all ages will enjoy the treats in store for the rest of the entertainment series.
Cloris Leachman will entertain us on March 29 with Cloris: A One-Woman Show. The performance draws from the magical moments in the professional and personal careers of this funny, unique, multi-talented lady. Her career which spans nearly eight decades, enjoyed new popularity with her appearance on Dancing With The Stars, with her new television show, Raising Hope and her upcoming MTV reality show. In her one-woman show she reflects on her life which includes dining with presidents and prime ministers, working with the great talents of the entertainment industry, giving birth to five children, losing one of her sons to drugs, and becoming a grandmother and a great grandmother. As deep as Cloris herself, her show is both moving and funny and not to be missed. Read more about Cloris Returning after a near sellout performance in 2009, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra takes to the stage on April 16. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all the dance bandleaders back in the Swing era of the 1930s and '40s. A matchless string of hit records such as "In the Mood," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "A String of Pearls," "Moonlight Serenade," "Little Brown Jug," "Tuxedo Junction," and "Pennsylvania 6-5000," the constant impact of radio broadcasts, and performances built and sustained his popularity. Now, over sixty years since the public first embraced the successful Miller sound, the legend and the music live on. The orchestra continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements while adding modern selections that lend themselves naturally to the Miller style and sound. The entire repertoire, which now exceeds 1,700 compositions, keeps the band popular with both young and old and promises a unique show every time. Read more about Glenn Miller Orch. Enjoy the opportunity for world class performers at Tibbits. Members will receive notice this week for early reservations. Tickets for the general public will go on sale December 13. A special opportunity to enjoy a private reception with Cloris will also be offered. For more information go to Entertainment or call Tibbits at (517) 278-6029 Mon - Fri 10 am - 5 pm. |
 | | On Broadway from 2010 |
Summer Theatre
As you prepare for a white Christmas, remember the Strip the Tibbits campaign exposing everything under the brick, and rest assured the theatre will not be out of order this summer while we're working on the façade.
The results of the Summer Theatre survey are in and the season is set. We'll be verifying royalties and availability and announcing the season very soon. So keep an eye on your email. (And enjoy the teaser!)
See photos from the 2010 season Photos |
 Tropical Auction Results
Leis and laughter were the highlights of the "Tropical Extravaganza" auction and thanks to the generosity of our community nearly $50,000 was raised to benefit the opera house.
A large crowd of around 300 supporters and friends enjoyed the food and festivities of the 31st annual event. Highlights included an amazing spread of food by the Branch Area Career Center, more than 400 items up for bid and an outstanding group of volunteers who made it all happen. Auction co-chairs Marisue Taylor and Marilyn Ostrander led the auction committee which included Sheryl Case, Linda Lintner, Linda Bowers, Marcia Guise, Mackenzie Longstreet and Tibbits staff coordinator, Becky Murfin.
Auction raffle winners were Laura Lutterbeck who won the $1000 prize, Doug Brown who won $250 and Barb Mullally who won the Summer Theatre season tickets.
Mark your calendar now for next year's big event the first Saturday of November. |
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Calendar of Events
Art Gallery
Young at Art & Pines Respite
Arts Alive
Through Dec.15
"Alice in Wonderland"
Performing Arts School Ensemble
Dec. 2-4, 7pm; Dec.4, 2pm
"A Christmas Carol"
Branch County Comm Theatre
Dec. 9-11, 7pm; Dec.12, 2pm
Coldwater Choir & Band Concerts
Coldwater Community Schools
Dec. 14, Times TBA
Auditions "Paintin the Fence"
Tibbits Young Audiences
Sponsored by Coldwater Kiwanis
Jan. 7 4pm; Jan. 8 10am
You can also see the Branch County Community Calendar for other events in the area at Community Calendar |
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Holiday Help
Tibbits has the answer to all your gift giving woes--Give the gift of theatre.
Gift certificates are available in any denomination and can be used for any show throughout the year. Certificates or actual tickets can also be given to the show you know your loved one won't want to miss. Stop at the office at 93 W. Chicago St. or call 517-278-6029. |
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Wish List Restoration donations, small generator, ticket printer, garment steamer, grand piano, copy paper, shop exhaust fans, kitchen cabinets in good condition, volunteers with computer design and social networking skills.
Thank you to Dan & Judy Dobson and Janet Sanderson for donations of the small copier and a printer. |
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Face the Music & Dance
Explore the thrill of ballroom dancing by joining the Tibbits Boosters in 2011 for "Dancing with the Celebrities." The Boosters are now accepting names of people up for the challenge of learning how to shine in the tango or samba or another ballroom style! Call Carolyn at 517-278-6029 now to ensure your place in "Dancing with the Celebrities" history! Find out about the 2010 event at Dancing. |
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End of Year Donations
As the new year fast approaches, it's the perfect time to consider year-end donations.
You can make a crucial difference in Tibbits' success by becoming a member of the Tibbits Opera Foundation. We rely on the generosity of our members to sustain the daily operations of the theatre and to bring quality entertainment at affordable prices.
As a member you can feel good about providing children live theatre experiences, about nourishing the dreams of aspiring performers, of maintaining a treasured piece of history, of helping the local economy and in benefiting the quality of life in our region.
As a member you can earn the privilege of attending many Tibbits events at a discounted rate or receiving first option to purchase tickets.
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New Branch County
History Book 
Yes, a new Branch County History Book is under way, and the project team is seeking your participation in its creation. Now you can preserve the names of your family in Branch County or tell the tale of a business, church, social group, or military service, or a branch of the county government.
All these stories make up that fabric of what makes Branch County unique in its own right. You can pick up a pamphlet at Tibbits or at any library in Branch County.
The success of the project is based entirely on the desire of people to preserve their history for the future. Don't let your stories get lost in the ages. Be part of the new Branch County History Book. Imagine writing a story for your gr-gr-great grandchildren. Here is your opportunity to do it! Organized by the Branch County Historical Society you can get more information at history or e-mail bchistorybook@aol.com. Phone 517-278-2789 for immediate response or leave a message at 517-278-2871. |
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