Charles Burr Interview

Last week Encore Michigan ran a nice interview with Charles Burr.

A FEW MINUTES WITH: Charles Burr, artistic director of Tibbits Summer Theatre
By Donald V. Calamia

For many Michiganders, the summer is not complete without a visit to Coldwater and Tibbits Summer Theatre. Begun in 1964, the company performs in the Tibbits Opera House, which opened in 1882 and is one of the few remaining facilities of its kind in the United States. Long-time artistic director Charles Burr talked recently to EncoreMichigan.com about his popular theater and the new musical revue he co-created that will open the 2010 summer season June 24.


Tibbits Summer Theatre is about to open its 47th season, and you've been associated with the company for 28 of those years in one capacity or another. What first brought you to Tibbits?


In the summer of 1981 I was performing in Fiddler on the Roof just up the street from Tibbits at the old True Grist Dinner Theatre in Homer. It was a 10-week run and I really needed to be seeing other shows. Well, my long time partner and collaborator, Bobb James, was performing at the Tibbits that summer. I fell in love with the theater. I auditioned for the next season and wound up playing Moonface Martin in Anything Goes.


Not to forget my stunning portrayal of Henry Higgin's butler...I came back as an actor for each season after that. I was directing at least one show a year by 1985 and was named artistic director by 1991.

Follow link to rest of the interview: MORE

Tiffany Wiesend Interview

For my first interviews I was honored with talking to actress Tiffany Wiesend and actor/director Brian P. Sage (yesterday's blog). Both of these remarkable performers are gracing us with their talents during the run of the upcoming show, On Broadway a Modern Songbook.

Tiffany Wiesend is a Michigan girl who grew up in the Dearborn area by Detroit. Tiffany has been around music since a very young age. Her dad was a singer who had a band in the early 60’s. She has been singing since she was a little girl, “from the crib” as Tiffany said. Her parents saw her talent and enrolled her in voice lessons. As she grew up, Tiffany became involved with cheerleading which introduced her to dance. She also took a local acting class. For Tiffany, everything just fell into place with the constant support of her family.

Every show is special to the cast. I asked Tiffany what made On Broadway a Modern Songbook special for her. She said it is a great opportunity to showcase her versatility and perform as many different characters during the show.

Her favorite memory from Tibbits was her opportunity to perform in Hair last summer. It was an ensemble show and it brought the entire cast together. It was a very controversial show for a town like Coldwater, but touched the audience. Tiffany was pleased to be a part of it. She said, performing in Hair changed her life and is an experience she’ll never forget.

I asked Tiffany why someone should come see On Broadway. She said “because the cast is super talented.” They have come together to show the audience an array of music from a broad range of musicals.

Actors keep a very hectic schedule. When asked about how she keeps motivated, Tiffany said when she was in New York, she came to realize, if you’re doing what you love, being tired doesn’t really matter anymore. It is the goal you’re trying to achieve, and reaching it helps you deal with the hardships. She also said, she is truly passionate about what she does and it helps her get through the tough times.

My last question for Tiffany was what it is like to act for a living? She said it is testing at times and has created difficulties in seeing her family, but it is also an adventure. Tiffany enjoys living life as a constant set of adventures. For her, it is difficult to not see her family as often as she’d like. This has made her truly cherish the time she does have with them.

Until my next blog, I hope you have enjoyed taking a closer look at Brian P. Sage and Tiffany Wiesend. They are two amazingly talented people, who were a joy to interview. I wish all who come to the show a great experience and the entire cast/crew an amazing show. “Break a leg!”
With smiles,
Alexandra Lyon, Summer Intern

Brian Sage Interview

Alexandra Lyon is a student at Quincy High School. She’ll be interning with Tibbits this summer to learn more about the world of theatre. One of the tasks we’ve set before her is to interview some of the company members. When we’re in the middle of another season, it’s easy to take what we do for granted. We thought it would be refreshing to hear from someone for whom the world of summer stock is a new experience.

Alexandra Lyon here:
During the summertime, Tibbits is truly a hub for all things theatre. There are many talented people who call Tibbits their home away from home during this wonderful time. Without all the actors, actresses, directors and tech crews none of these great performances would ever be possible. I have always wanted to know more about the people who make it happen. So join me as I share the information from my interviews with these special folks.

For my first entry I was honored with talking to actor/director Brian P. Sage, gracing us with his talents during the run of the upcoming show, “On Broadway a Modern Songbook.” Brian will be in all of the main shows this summer and even directing “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Brian completed his Master of Fine Arts in acting at Wayne State University. He also studied at Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia. When asked about his experience in Russia, Brian’s first word to describe it was, “Different.” During his few months there he studied what would be the equivalent of the first year of training in the United States. Brian says in Russia, young adults are picked at age 18 to go and study acting as a career. This is what they will devote themselves to for the rest of their working lives. Unlike in the US, theater in Russia is nationally funded. I was surprised to learn most of what American actors know about theatre came from Russia.
About this summer, Brian said the truly special part about “On Broadway a Modern Songbook” is the ability to play so many different roles in one production. He also said this show gives him the opportunity to put his own personality into the characters.

Many crazy things can happen during rehearsals and performances. Brian’s favorite Tibbits memory is from a matinee performance of the show, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” many years ago. An actress who was supposed to perform forgot about the matinee and could not be contacted. Charles Burr, the artistic director of Tibbits went on in her place creating one of the funniest moments ever on the Tibbits stage.

I believe that everyone at some point in their life is inspired to go into their future line of work. Brian was inspired by his high school theatre director Gloria Logan. She is also an actress for Tibbits summer theatre, who Brian has enjoyed working with after his school years. She is also the person who introduced him to Charles Burr.

Not only has Brian been an actor he has tried his hand at directing. He feels directing is a form of teaching, and he would like to teach acting in the future. Brian also enjoys collaborating with the actors and tech crews. He believes directing helps the actors during the rehearsal process.

My last question for Brian was on how he gets into character before the show. For him, getting into character isn’t about doing a crazy dance or chant. It is about relaxing, stretching, vocalizing, and engaging with your scene partner. He says the actor just needs to get into a performing state of mind and then live in the moment while on stage.

Tomorrow we’ll add an interview with Tiffany Wiesend.

2010 Summer Theatre Season opens today

Christine Delaney here, executive director of Tibbits Opera House, the 47th season of Tibbits professional summer stock theatre opens today with a new revue..."On Broadway: A Modern Songbook." Energy is high and there's great anticipation for the season ahead. We have a great company, enthusiastic and talented; all we need is the audience. (And hopefully plenty of it!)

After a long hiatus, we're rejuvenating this blog. Look for some fun interviews with members of the company and insight on the season from a fresh set of eyes. Probably some input from the veterans as well.