Coldwater - A princess, an evil magician and a genie with a magic lamp: “Aladdin’s Luck,” the first Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production of Tibbits’ 2023 professional summer theatre season,  opens with a colorful cast of characters on the Tibbits stage June 9.

“Aladdin’s Luck” by Janet Stanford opens the Popcorn season with lessons of love, strength and self-acceptance. Clever street urchin Aladdin falls madly for the Princess Leilah at a chance meeting. Aladdin tries to impress her with a magic lamp and genie by his side, but when the lamp falls into the hands of an evil magician, Aladdin must travel across the desert to rescue the princess by doing the thing that scares him the most…being himself.

Making up the professional cast of "Aladdin’s Luck” is Dennis Dizon as Aladdin, Rachel Sarles as Princess Leilah, Mother, and Mustapha; Aaron Bell as Omar, Sultan, and Genie; and Dominic Green as Al Zarnati and Servant. Chad Tallon takes the helm as the director.  Production staff features scenic design by Jaye Beetem, light design by Trey Ewart, costume design by Tristian Laney, sound design by Luis Guzman Galdos, and properties by Liz Reaves, who also servers as stage manager.    

Popcorn Theatre is generously sponsored by Judy Bushouse, Jon and Seibra Herbener along with additional support from Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Dr. Matthew Christopher DDS, PC, Coldwater Exchange Club, Coldwater & Hillsdale Orthodontics, Longstreet Living, and Vested Risk Strategies. Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Aladdin’s Luck” runs June 9, 10, 16, and 17at 10am. It is the first show of the Popcorn Theatre season, with a great lineup following: Doug Scheer’s “Wacky Science,” “Once Upon a Princess Storytime & Songs,” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and the animated film, Disney’s “Encanto.” All Tibbits Popcorn Theatre presentations are Fridays and Saturdays at 10am and run through August 5.  Patrons will be treated to free popcorn and juice at intermission. Popcorn is donated by Ed Lake, with juice donated by McDonalds: The Maynard Organization.

Seating is reserved and patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Tickets for all patrons are $10 (price includes fees, popcorn and juice) and are available at Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029, or in-person at the Tibbits Box Office inside the theatre at 14 S. Hanchett St or at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago in Coldwater. All performances will take place at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. Group rates are available.

In additional to Popcorn Theatre, Tibbits Summer Theatre will be presenting the beloved Disney musical “The Little Mermaid.” With a message of kindness, tolerance and love, this fishy fable will capture audience’s hearts with irresistible songs like "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World." No Popcorn Theatre performances will take place during the run of “The Little Mermaid.” There will instead be 11am performances on June 30, July 1, and July 8 and a 2pm performance on July 5 in addition to evening performances June 29, July 6, 7, and 8. Ticket prices range from $20 to $43 with special Tibbits member, child, and group rates available.

Cutline/ REHEARSAL SHOT: "Aladdin’s Luck,” a Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production, will be on stage at Tibbits Opera House June 9-10 and 16-17. The show features professional actors Dennis Dizon, Rachel Sarles, Aaron Bell, and Dominic Green.