COLDWATER, Mich.–For those looking for a night out filled with plenty of laughter, Tibbits Summer Theatre offers “What Mad Pursuit,” an original show spun from the 1939 Noel Coward story Aug 19, 20 and 22.

In the short story, Evan Lorrimer, a famous English writer, is on a successful book tour in America.  A wealthy patron invites him to spend a quiet weekend at her summer house.  Against his better judgment, he goes–and gets anything but what was promised.  He meets a colorful group of show folk and socialites…some 45 roles, all played by our small intrepid cast.  Songs by Coward, such as “I’ve Been to a Marvellous Party” and “The Party is Over Now” add to the fun in this fully-staged reader’s theater production.

Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr stated, “This show is the most unique of anything that we’ve ever done…it’s true oral interpretation. Done this way, it relies on the audience to fill in so much with their own imagination.”

Tibbits Summer Theatre’s core group of professional company members from across the United States will include veteran Tibbits actors Stephanie Burdick, Paul Kerr, Bailey Kote, Michael Motkowski, Matthew C. Scott and Kiersten Voorheis. The production will be directed by Charles Burr with music direction and music arrangement by Matthew Everingham. The design staff features lights by Bryce Dansby, set design by Leon Kriser, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, and sound design by Weston Felker, with Rachel Marengere as stage manager.

The 2020 TST Season that includes “What Mad Pursuit” is presented through the generous sponsorship support of Coldwater Board of Public Utilities; Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include Coldwater Orthodontics; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; Stan and Judy Bushouse; Great Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; and Vested Risk Strategies.

This production will be held in the event pavilion at The Ponds of Coldwater, located about a mile from the opera house at 368 S. Jefferson Street. The Ponds offers a secluded setting with both space for social distancing and privacy to enjoy an intimate performance.

Tickets for “What Mad Pursuit” are $20 (including fees) for all seats, with discounts available to Tibbits members. Performances will run Wednesday, Aug 19; Thursday, Aug 20; and Saturday Aug 22 at 7pm. After the Aug 22 performance, the public is invited to join the cast and crew for a talkback to discuss the show and ask questions. Tickets are still available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029.