While Tibbits is in the middle of an extensive remodel of the dressing rooms, the theatre will not stay dark in January. The new year kicks off with two Classic Film Series double features and screenings of Classic Romantic Comedies on January 14 and Comedic Who-Done-Its on January 21.

The first of the Rom-Com films to be screened on January 14 is “His Girl Friday” starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Having returned to New York from a four-month hiatus, reporter Hildy Johnson marches into the office of her boss and ex-husband Walter Burns to announce she is quitting. Determined not to lose his best reporter, Walter baits Hildy with what could be, not only the biggest case of her career, but also the biggest case the Big Apple has seen in years.

The second film “Sabrina” stars Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Sabrina Fairchild returns from a two-year stay in Paris to find she has caught the eye of her lifelong crush, wealthy playboy David played by Holden. But Sabrina is the chauffer’s daughter. When David’s interest threatens a business merger, his brother Linus played by Bogart, attempts to fix things with unexpected results.

The Classic Film Series continues January 21 with Comedic Who-Done-Its, including Neil Simon’s “Murder by Death” and the underrated gem “Drowning Mona.”

The evening begins with “Murder by Death” a hilarious spoof of the detective-story genre. Millionaire Lionel Twain invites five of the most brilliant literary investigators and their side-kicks to his mansion to solve a crime that is yet to be committed. With a one-million-dollar reward for the one who solves the mystery, the deductive minds work to unravel the clues of an elaborate set-up staged by a criminal mastermind. Highlighting the intrigue and comedy is an all-star cast including Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith, Eileen Brennan, David Niven and James Cromwell.

The second film, “Drowning Mona” from 2000 also features an all-star cast including Bette Midler, Danny Devito, Jamie Lee Curtis, Neve Campbell, Casey Affleck and Will Ferrell. When the car of Mona Dearly played by Midler, the most hated woman in Verplanck, New York, is sabotaged, resulting in her death, everyone in this eccentric small town becomes a suspect.

All film showings begin at 4pm. The second film will begin approximately 5:45pm. Aside from the Oscar Shorts presentation in February, admission to the Classic Film Series is free, though donations are accepted.  The theatre will open 30 minutes prior to the first film showing. Concessions, including a cash bar, will be available for purchase at Tibbits’ Ghost Light Bar.

The Classic Film Series continues on Feb 12 with “Magical Musicals,” February 18 with Oscar Shorts, April 1 with “Criminal Farces” and May 20 with “The World at War.”

The entire Classic Film Series is generously sponsored by Dr. Matthew Christopher, DDS, PC. A proud supporter of Tibbits Opera House, Dr. Christopher is also a Tibbits Summer Theatre Popcorn Theatre sponsor and corporate member of the historic theatre. Dr. Christopher and his staff provide excellent quality dental care for the entire family. Conveniently located in Union City and Coldwater, they handle most treatments in office, saving patients time and money while crafting smiles to last a lifetime.

All showings will take place at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater. For more information or a complete listing of shows and events, please visit Tibbits.org.