Press Release

The Princess and the pea opens July 3

Date:  June 30, 2009

COLDWATER, MI—

Hans Christian Andersen’s tale “The Princess and the Pea” springs to life when Popcorn Theatre presents the fun and classic story opening July 3, 2009 at the Tibbits Opera House.

The comedy opens with the King, portrayed by Orion Silvertree (Marshall, MI) and Alison Grtiz (NYC) playing the Queen, still desperate to have their son, Prince Erik, happily married off. The prince, played by Jared Wietbrock (Grayson, GA), has traveled all over and yet has not found a “real” princess to marry. Suddenly a young girl appears during a nasty storm in the middle of the night claiming to be a princess. Tiffany Yvonne Cox (Cherry Hill, NJ) plays Princess Astrid as she endures tests concocted for her by the King and Queen to test her for bravery and honesty. In addition, lovely Princess Astrid must go through the test for royalty by feeling a teeny, tiny pea under twenty mattresses. Will she pass this impossible test? Or will she be found as a dreadful imposter?

Other cast members in this timeless Danish tale include Timothy Fuchs (Freeville, NY) as the troll and Mitch Thurman, (Milwaukee, WI) as Osric. Directed by Meriah Sage (Detroit, MI), the play provides plenty of lessons and fun for the entire family to enjoy together.

The comedy was adapted for Broadway as “Once Upon a Mattress” in 1959 and 1996. The 1959 play marked the Broadway debut of TV legend Carol Burnett playing the princess. The second production starred Sarah Jessica Parker and was nominated for a 1997 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. In 2005, a television adaptation was made for Carol Burnett, now playing the Queen and actress Tracey Ullman as the princess.

There will be no performance on Saturday, July 4, due to the holiday but the production will return on July 10 and 11, 2009 at 10 am.

This play is dedicated in loving memory of Macy & Sydney Donay by their sister, Kaia Brooke Donay.

Popcorn Theatre is perfect entertainment for the entire family and a great introduction to live theatre. The professional company of Tibbits Summer Theatre presents classic stories especially for the young and young at heart. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to experience theatre “just for them.” Children receive free popcorn and juice at intermission. To make the experience even more enjoyable, they get an opportunity to meet the actors and get autographs following each performance. Bring the entire family for a great time.

Popcorn Theatre is theatre for children of all ages and is presented with the support of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Juice is courtesy of McDonalds of Branch and Hillsdale counties and Capri Drive-In provides the popcorn.

The air-conditioned Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. All Popcorn Theatre performances begin at 10 am on Friday and Saturday mornings. Popcorn Theatre tickets are $7 and are available at the door, in advance by calling 517-278-6029 with Visa or MasterCard or online at www.Tibbits.org.