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  1. Big Five Arts Column

    There is a “Hall of Heroes” lining the walls of the lower lobby at the Wilson Theatre in Old Town Salinas – not individual portraits of important ARIEL Theatrical alumni, but cast photos of children and adults who have participated in dozens of productions that changed lives and influenced generations. At first glance this collection of pictures is a pleasant visual history of performances that have graced the stage, but given a closer examination individual children begin to speak to your imagination as their reappearing faces change and mature.  One sees subtle differences in their demeanor or their stance and over the years the toothy grins turn into attractive smiles as if to say, “I’m growing up and look what I have become.”


    Not every child or adult that participates in an ARIEL production returns for another show, but the vast majority are immediately ready to sign up for their next opportunity to serve the community.  Children respond to opportunities to perform as volunteers at hospitals, schools, shelters and recreation facilities.  Parents discover the pleasure of lending a hand in service organizations, day care, classrooms and clinics.  Audiences realize their responsibility to the future by donating time and funding to worthy causes that build tomorrow.


    In a literal sense, alumni return to perform again and again in new offerings of ARIEL’s rotating theatrical schedule.  The current production of MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY is an example of the alumni spirit in action.  Miss Nelson is played by Natalie Harris, a thirty-something registered nurse at the Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center, who first experienced ARIEL as a high school junior over fifteen years ago.  Now an accomplished professional giving back to the community, she is tackling the difficult duel role of Miss Nelson and Viola Swamp, her menacing alter ego.  Parent volunteer Sarah Quidileg is once again taking notes, chasing down details and monitoring participants, seemingly everywhere at once in her recurring role supporting ARIEL and her very involved alumni children.  Diane Chatwin, who has been a stalwart supporter of ARIEL since its inception, is back as choreographer.  Her years of energetic dance instruction, forthright observations, and gentle correction place her firmly in the ARIEL pantheon of heroes.  ARIEL founder, Gail Higginbotham, pulls, prods and challenges cast members to think about theatre as a metaphor for life – and she succeeds.

    The twenty-one teens cavorting in football jerseys, cheer leader outfits and white tennis shoes are faces pulled from the frames of those cast photos found in the basement lobby.  Nearly all have faced the ARIEL challenge of making the world a better place and are returning to the ARIEL stage, and in this show, to the imaginary Horace B. Smedley Elementary School.  These student alumni with youthful exuberance and startling maturity have learned valuable life lessons that seem to explode from the stage as they rehearse MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY.


    This will be the last production for some as they this year graduate high school and move into adulthood.  As ARIEL alumni they will continue to give back in ways too numerous to mention.  The stamp of greatness seen in embryo on those photos in the hall is a lasting impression that will reach out and influence others for good.


    This is not to say that life is always easy at ARIEL.  The work is arduous, and the expectations high.  Some days things just do not go as planned and the challenges can be extensive.  Participants know that life can be hard, but they also know that they can do hard things.


    Occasionally, Higginbotham reminds the cast of one of her favorite children’s books, ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE. NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY by Judith Viorst.  In this charming story, Alexander is beset by every possible disaster he can think of and wants to move to Australia, a far away safe place. In his mind this will solve all his problems. Eventually Alexander learns that even in Australia some days are difficult, but the idea of a respite keeps him going.


    At Camp Elderly Army Post in Italy there is a fourth grade teacher who has a corner in her classroom with a blanket, pillow and posters of Australia.  Every child (and the teacher, too) has the right to go to “Australia” in times of stress and set the timer for ten minutes of relief.  It works during a difficult time when fathers and mothers are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan risking their lives in this turbulent era.


    ARIEL Theatrical is such a place for hundreds of children; a safe zone where discord in the community, at school, or in their personal lives can be held at bay; a place where life can be sorted out and given focus while learning the skills to become heroes in their individual worlds: an “Australian” refuge.


    MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY opens April 30 with a 7:00 pm performance and continues with matinee performances at 2:00 pm on May 1, 8, and 15.  Additional evening performances are May 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15.  Enjoy an evening of theatre and visit the “Hall of Heroes” in the lobby downstairs.  You may see a familiar face!


    There is ample opportunity for you or your child to become an ARIEL alumnus.  One-week summer workshops, a production of the musical PETER PAN in a three-week conservatory setting and the exciting Andrew Lloyd Weber Musical, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT are in pre-production mode and accepting registration. To reserve a place for your child or to volunteer call the Wilson Children’s Theatre at 831-775-0976.  Become an alumnus of a great institution. Help make the world right.

  2. Big Five Arts Column

    If you were to be passing by the Wilson Children’s Theatre on the 300 block of Old Town Salinas any day this week you might hear tiny voices from the lower rehearsal halls of ARIEL Theatrical.  “We are here!  We are here! We are here! WE ARE HERE!” they intone. Young people and a host of adult volunteers are here, scurrying through colorful and oddly shaped trees, bushes, houses, mountains and even a bathtub inspired by everyone’s favorite children’s author and philosopher, Dr. Seuss. SEUSSICAL (the Musical!) is here.


    Is there anyone in America who has not read or listened to the antics of the Cat in the Hat or Horton the elephant?  Parents and babysitters, older brothers and sisters, toddlers and grandparents can recite by heart, “One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.” Say Dr. Seuss and immediately you think about strange figures sprouting bush like clumps of hair and three fingered furry critters lurching across jungles and swamps.


    From the first moments of this energetic production of SEUSSICAL you’ll discover that “the things you can think when you think about Seuss” are extraordinary.  The audience is taken on a journey with dozens of familiar Seussian characters by none other than the Cat in the Hat! With great aplomb he announces that something special is about to happen. “After all of those years being stuck on a page–did you ever imagine you’d see me on stage?” he says. “Now I’m here.  There’s no telling what may ensue. No, there’s no telling what, but I’ll give you a clue.” Then the journey begins and “Oh the things you can think when you think about Seuss!”


    Fans of Horton the elephant will be delighted to know that his determination, faithfulness and inherent respect for others are central to the action of SEUSSICAL. This is what makes it a perfect metaphor for ARIEL’s stated mission to “inspire young people to understand that personal integrity, respect for others and an acceptance of responsibility for choices made are the keys to building a productive life.”


    In just a few days hundreds of set pieces, props and costumes will be packed up in trucks, vans and cars and begin their journey across town to Sherwood Hall.  SEUSSICAL in dazzling color and frenetic action will burst onto the stage with all the enthusiasm 52 teens and pre-teens can muster.  The show will be presented to thousands of Salinas area students as part of ARIEL’s annual Spring Musical Conservatory program the week of March 15th through March 20th.


    For nearly twenty five years children from schools all over the county have had the opportunity to participate in live theater thanks to this amazing program supported by the Arts Council for Monterey County and pioneered by ARIEL. Call your school today to ask if they are making this unforgettable journey into the performing arts.  If not, encourage them to contact ARIEL Theatrical to reserve seats or make arrangements for next year’s program!  If you can only see one play this year, SEUSSICAL is the show not to be missed!


    In order to make sure every family in the area has the opportunity to enjoy this epic voyage into the world of Dr. Seuss, public performances of SEUSSICAL have been scheduled on March 19th and 20th at 7:00.  Tickets are available at the Sherwood Hall Box Office.


    SEUSSICAL will be performed there, but in the meantime ARIEL’s regular season continues at the Wilson Theatre in Oldtown.  If you have not taken the opportunity to see an ARIEL production, now is the time.  It is not too late to enjoy THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY which continues this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and a Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm. Several dozen versatile actors discover lessons of life through a journey through Aesop’s classic fables and discover that “Now is the time to be open to the world around you.”


    At the conclusion of SEUSSICAL every participant and audience member has a clear understanding that “a person’s a person no matter how small.” ARIEL is here to encourage children in their life experiences while providing support and guidance in a safe environment.  Becoming a “person” of integrity benefits us all.


    The 2010 Season continues, and is full of opportunity.  Registration for our summer programs opens March 1.  Your child might sail fly with Peter Pan in the three-week conservatory or practice stage skills in one-week summer workshops. This fall join the classroom at Schoolhouse Rock or travel the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie-the-Pooh.  We are here! We are here! WE ARE HERE! And we plan to be here for many years to come! We hope you will be here with us.


    ARIEL Theatrical has provided an opportunity for patrons and friends of the theatre to honor their children, remembers loved ones or family members while helping to support programs for children.  As part of the NAME-A-SEAT drive, ARIEL Theatrical will attach a brass name plate to a seat in the Wilson Children’s Theatre auditorium in return for a $250.00 tax deductible donation.  This donation and the accompanying name plate will help future generations and inspire developing youngsters. What better way to enrich our community? Drop by the Wilson Children’s Theatre to reserve your special seat or call them today at 831-775-0976.

  3. Big Five Arts Column

    Once again common sense, hard work and wholesome entertainment are being presented by ARIEL Theatrical at the Wilson Children’s Theater in Old Town Salinas.  On Friday and Saturday, February 12th and 13th, THE LITTLE RED HEN, a barnyard extravaganza featuring 40 enthusiastic young thespians in colorful and imaginative costumes, will fill the theater with song, laughter and lighthearted fun.


    The familiar story of THE LITTLE RED HEN provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn lessons about caring and sharing.  Little Red plants the seeds to raise the wheat; then grinds the flour to make the bread.  But most of the animals in the barnyard find excuses why they should not help and sleep the day away. The show demonstrates the importance of individual responsibility and the value of hard work.


    Eventually the whole barnyard learns that the best part of life is sharing, working hard and building a community together. When the Rooster and chorus sing, “She’s a spunky little hen who is always happy when she’s helping all the other critters out,” faces glow, hands accentuate the lyric and the audience is sure to hum along!


    If you have not taken the opportunity to see an ARIEL production, this is your chance to observe today’s children at their very best.  Once you enjoy the clever action and lively performance of THE LITTLE RED HEN, stop by the box office to pick up your tickets for ARIEL’s production of THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY!


    Beginning Friday, February 19th and running through Saturday, March 6th, Aloysius A. Aesop and a cast of several dozen versatile actors will provide a journey through several classic fables of western civilization. Watch the City Mouse and the Country Mouse discover the value of home.  Decide if the poor doggie should have kept his bone. See the exciting race between the Tortoise and the Hare. Discover the drama between the farmer and the donkeys, the value of the mouse to the lion. There are lessons and morals in everyday life.  With the help of Aesop it is easy to find them and see their importance.

    In the climactic moments of THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY, Aesop is joined by the cast in singing, “The time is now, the time to be open to the world around you. Past has flown; future still unknown, now is the moment that has found you.”


    The hard working participants at ARIEL are discovering every day the essential message of this lyric.  They are putting their time, energy and dreams into each rehearsal and performance.  They are working to be ready for choices that may come tomorrow by preparing now.  Whether they portray farmers in a barnyard, chicks on a bale of hay, wheels on a magical train, moving gears in a fable machine, mice, lions, pigs or donkeys; they are caught up in the importance of doing their best.


    Over the years, it has been a pleasure to see these kids realize great things by taking small steps and growing with each positive experience.  It is possible for anyone to see this transition, to see hope blossom into strong and stalwart action.

    At the moment, you may catch this vision of excellence as an ARIEL patron.

    The 2010 Season is full of opportunity.  You might sail on a pirate ship to Neverland with Peter Pan, or climb the beanstalk with Jack.  You could help Miss Nelson with her field day or travel the hundred acre wood with Winnie-the-Pooh. Joseph and his brothers find adventure with a coat of many colors and Chicken Little will try to stop the sky from falling!


    For the opportunity to see tomorrow’s leaders develop right before your eyes, purchase a 2010 Season Pass which entitles you to see all nine shows performed at the Wilson Children’s Theatre in Old Town, Salinas at a discounted price.

    If you are interested in reserving tickets, volunteering, or having someone close to you take advantage of the satisfaction that comes from hard work, community involvement and responsibility, contact ARIEL Theatrical at its home, The Wilson Children’s Theatre 831-775-0976.  Why wait?  “The time is now!  The world is open all around you. Now is the moment that has found you.”

  4. Big Five Arts Column

    By the time you read this column the curtain will have closed for the final performance of NARNIA, the last show of the 2009 ARIEL Theatrical season, but the Wilson Children’s Theatre is buzzing with activity as new productions  are set in motion and set construction commences for an exciting new year. Rehearsals have begun for ARIEL’s production of SEUSSICAL, TYA which will be presented in March at Sherwood Hall to thousands of school children from the greater Salinas community. The classic LITTLE RED HEN story for younger performers and THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY for those a little older begin rehearsals the first of the year.  These programs are already full with waiting lists of children eager to be a part of the ARIEL experience.


    Once involved at the Wilson Children’s Theater, it is difficult to break away. Ask any performer or stage crew member why they want to be part of an ARIEL show and most will tell you that they feel they are having fun and learning to be responsible. You might think these performers just love being on a “real” stage with detailed costumes and listening to the audience applaud… and they do.  But they also are devoted to the real work that has to be done to keep the theater ready for audiences and guests.   For the most part it is not glamorous work, but volunteers of all ages are eager to be part of the ARIEL commitment to excellence.


    On any given day you might see several young people in the front lobby mopping the floor or dusting the displays.  If you come inside you would likely notice young volunteers happily vacuuming rugs, sorting and preparing costumes for laundering or storage, emptying garbage, or diligently cleaning restrooms.  No job is too mundane or unimportant.  When finished with one task, they immediately ask, “What else is there to do?” Parents are amazed and often comment on the noticeable change that has taken place in their children as the ARIEL experiences help develop the skills and confidence to positively direct their own lives.


    In the early part of the last century, Edgar Guest penned the classic lines, “It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.” For hundreds of children and young adults (and some of us older adults) a heap of livin’ makes ARIEL a home away from home.  A “heap of living’” can be a heap of important work!


    It is not just the conservatory participants that are doing that important work.  Part of the ARIEL commitment to excellence requires parents to be actively involved in the performance experience.  That includes everything from set or costume construction to building security during the shows.  ARIEL is a safe haven for kids and a place where parents work in partnership with their children. Mothers and fathers, aunts, uncles and grandparents may all be found contributing their talents and time, learning new skills and sharing past accomplishments.


    For the hectic backstage requirements parents dressed in volunteer smocks and shirts pitch in with energy – applying makeup, adjusting costumes, running interference or calming nervous, but enthusiastic performers. It is never an easy role to play, but here, as on the stage, ARIEL provides an opportunity to explore new roles, develop character and help make the world right. Indeed, making the world right is the dominant theme found in all ARIEL shows.  Developing integrity, expanding understanding, establishing values, choosing to build and take responsibility are elements found in all aspects of the program.


    See for yourself the amazing young people found in our community by attending LITTLE RED HEN and THE FABULOUS FABLE FACTORY in February and pencil in SEUSSICAL, TYA at the Sherwood Hall, at the Salinas Community Center on March 19 and 20.  Better yet, purchase a 2010 Season Pass which entitles you to see all nine shows performed at the Wilson Children’s Theatre in Old Town, Salinas at a discounted price.


    In his poem, Edgar Guest suggests:  “Ye’ve got t’ sing an’ dance fer years, ye’ve got t’ romp an’ play, An’ learn t’ love the things ye have by usin’ ‘em each day.”  By supporting the children of the greater Salinas Community in their responsible pursuits each day, we make a difference to everyone’s tomorrows. “It takes a heap of livin’.”

  5. Big Five Arts Column

    ARIEL Theatrical has announced another exciting and ambitious season. But before rehearsals begin on the new season, the theatrical company is deep in preparation for the final two offerings of 2009.  First on the boards is a contemporary and humorous “Doo-Wop Musical” version of
    Little Red Riding Hood to be presented at the Wilson Children’s Theatre by a very confident ensemble of younger thespians.  The cast of mainly new performers will take the stage tonight, November 20 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. This beloved tale from the Brothers Grimm is complete with imaginative sets, upbeat music and adorable children in colorful costumes! The enthusiasm and exuberance of these young people in a beginning program will bring a smile to every audience member.


    With only a few days of breathing space to clear out the Little Red Riding Hood sets and trappings, ARIEL will begin technical rehearsals for the final show of the 2009 Season, Narnia – A Musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. A dedicated cast of children and adults from all over Northern Monterey County has been devoting countless hours and boundless energy in making this epic story of conflict, redemption and the triumph of good an experience long to be remembered.  Snow falls from the sky, creatures are turned to stone, betrayal endangers an entire world; but light, sacrifice and love in the form of the great lion, Aslan, provide the catalyst for change and a new start. The finale, “To Make the World Right Again,” is a captivating theatrical moment and should not be missed.  It is easy to see why the song, with the permission of the composer Thomas Tierney, has been officially adopted as the theme song for ARIEL Theatrical.  Performances for this final show of the 2009 Season are December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 – Fridays at 7:00 pm and Saturdays at 2:00 and 7:00 pm at the Wilson Children’s Theatre in Oldtown Salinas.


    The 2010 offerings are sure to thrill audiences and provide opportunities for hundreds of young performers from all over the central coast. Pirates and giants, barnyard animals, creatures from the great outdoors, Winnie-the-Pooh, Miss Nelson, and the Cat in the Hat – These and many more could soon be heard humming the classic Cole Porter anthem, “Another Opening, Another Show” as the theater fills with productions tailored to all levels of experience and performance ability. For the very young (ages 5 and up) ARIEL will offer a Beginning Program featuring the classic tale of The Little Red Hen, which performs February 12 and 13.  Additional beginning programs in June and November will feature Jack and the Beanstalk and Chicken Little.


    For those Intermediate Performers wishing to improve on beginning skills (ages 6 to high school) and become more comfortable on stage in a learning-focused environment, ARIEL will offer the classic fables of Aesop with a twist in The Fabulous Fable Factory to rehearse in January and perform February 19 through March 6. Additional opportunities for honing ensemble performance skills will be given in the spring with a production of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day – a sequel to the immensely popular Miss Nelson is Missing which was produced in the 2009 Season. Look for Schoolhouse Rock Live! in October of 2010 as the final production for the Intermediate Program.


    The 2010 season has something for everyone. This is especially true for the shows being offered in our Accelerated program (ages 7 to high school).  First up is a popular adaptation of children’s books by Dr. Seuss – SEUSSICAL. This show will perform at Sherwood Hall to thousands of Elementary and Middle School students who attend as part of their educational program.  It is an opportunity for the wonder of theater to enrich each of these students’ lives. Performances for the general public will be given on March 19 and 20.  Put this event on your calendar now and make sure your family attends!


    The Summer Conservatory which takes place during three intensive weeks in July with performances the first of August will be Peter Pan. See characters fly to Neverland and battle the infamous Captain Hook.  Crocodiles, pirates, Indians, and fairies – what more could we want or expect? Participants will refine singing, acting, and dancing skills and complete related craft and educational activities.


    The summer will be a busy time at ARIEL.  An opportunity for children of all levels and abilities to participate in one week summer camps will take place from June 14 through July 2.  Each one week camp with focus on specific aspects of performance and a recital will be given each week on Friday evening.