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Category Archive: News

1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

   August 2, 2018 7:46 pm Leave a Comment

   The Hunchback of Notre Dame opens in August at ARIEL Theatrical!

   Travel to medieval Paris without leaving Salinas! A brand new musical, based on Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, will transform the ARIEL stage into the legendary cathedral that serves as the backdrop for this powerful story. The Gothic arches loom as the drama unfolds in this epic musical adventure. Showcasing the award-winning score from the Disney animated movie, the on-stage choir and cast of characters, including the hunchback, Quasimodo, will lead the audience through the streets of Paris and into the maze of human emotion as the conflict between light and darkness rages on.

   All performances take place at The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, Salinas, home of ARIEL Theatrical.

   Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, August 3 – 18, 2018.

   Tickets: Adults – $16, Students/Seniors, Military – $13, Children ages 3-12 – $11

   Tickets are available online (www.arieltheatrical.org) over the phone (831-775-0976) or in the ARIEL Box Office.

   Located in the heart of Salinas City Center, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage and learn valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership. ARIEL’s finest productions are not the plays but the responsible young people who come together in a positive, collaborative spirit to learn, perform and share experiences that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

   ARIEL is grateful to our 2018 Season Sponsors, Aladin Properties, Cardinale Moving and Storage and Central Coast Cleaning. Also, a big “thank you” to our summer and show sponsors, 1^st Capital Bank, A&R Fresh, Hastie Financial Group, Silva Farms and Valley Exxon.

   For more information, visit ARIEL in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, online at www.arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.

   

   From his bell tower, Quasimodo (William Van Nes) shows the Gyspy Esmeralda (Sylvia Figueroa) the streets of Paris in ARIEL Theatrical’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame on August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 at the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, home of ARIEL Theatrical, 320 Main Street, Salinas. Photo Credit: Richard Green.

2. ONE WEEKEND ONLY – DISNEY’S WINNIE THE POOH KIDS

   July 17, 2018 5:10 pm Leave a Comment

   Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. A forest full of colorful creatures offers some helping hands and voices in the quest for a sweet treat. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course… sharing snacks. This musical adventure comes to life with the help of 45 summer campers, ages 6-14. New to the ARIEL stage, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS equals summer fun for the entire family!

    

   Performances:

   Friday, July 20 at 7 pm

   Saturday, July 21 at 10 am, 2 pm & 7 pm

    

   Location: The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre – Home of ARIEL, 320 Main Street, Salinas

   Tickets: Adults -$9, Seniors/Students/Military -$8, Children ages 3-12 -$7, Under age 3 -FREE

   Tickets may be purchased ONLINE, by phone (831-775-0976), or at the ARIEL box office.

   Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS is generously sponsored by: A&R Fresh; Hastie Financial Group; Monterey Bay Orthodontics; Silva Farms; Valley Exxon. And a big “THANK YOU” to our Season Sponsors: Aladin Properties; Cardinale Moving & Storage; Central Coast Cleaning.

   

    

3. GENTRY MAGAZINE FEATURES ARIEL ON THE “A-LIST”

   June 7, 2018 9:43 pm Leave a Comment

   ARIEL Theatrical’s Founder and Artistic Director, Gail Higginbotham, is featured in the June 2018 issue (p.60) of GENTRY Magazine, a monthly publication about notable people and noteworthy philanthropy. Gail was selected for GENTRY’s “A-List: People to Know” where she shared the focus that makes ARIEL unique in the world of musical theatre for young people – to “imbue area youth with the right values by encouraging Monterey County kids to lead lives of honesty and integrity.” This commitment has enabled ARIEL to utilize the platform of musical theatre to teach valuable life lessons to participants from very diverse backgrounds.

   Phrases including “I can do hard things” and “Excellence is never an accident” are frequently overheard during rehearsal. Key principles are taught, modeled and encouraged to help young people discover that personal choices impact one’s ability to create a productive and successful path through life. The process of bringing a musical production to the stage clearly reveals that the world works better when practicing Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. GENTRY Magazine recognizes notable people and worthy philanthropic organizations and ARIEL Theatrical offers both. Win-win!

   Check out the article on page 60 on the digital issue of GENTRY Magazine.

4. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME – JOIN THE CAST TODAY

   May 30, 2018 9:18 pm Leave a Comment

   New costumes, new set and an exciting new musical is coming to the ARIEL Theatrical stage this summer! The Hunchback of Notre Dame is open to adults and high school youth and has a “choir only” option if singing is your thing. Join the cast today and create memories that will carry you back to medieval Paris, again and again!

   Click HERE for more information and to download the registration form. No experience necessary. Come and try something new this summer!

   

5. THIS WEEKEND – TWO REASONS TO CELEBRATE

   May 15, 2018 10:25 pm Leave a Comment

   

   This Friday and Saturday, May 18 & 19, The Three Nanny Goats Gruff will delight audiences as they “trip, trap” their way across the bridge to find greener pastures. Their journey is complicated by a pack of hungry trolls who happen to reside under the very bridge that stands between the goats and the green grass of their dreams. Will the trolls thwart the expedition? Will the goats find a way to successfully traverse without becoming dinner? Will there be singing and dancing and fun for all ages? Come to ARIEL Theatrical to find out! Shows on Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm.

   ONLINE TICKETS HERE or they can be purchased over the phone 831-775-0976 or at the door.

   And the timing couldn’t be better – it is National Salad Month! If they weren’t busy on  stage, the Three Nanny Goats Gruff would definitely be stopping by the California Welcome Center Salinas (1213 North Davis Road) for their free samples of fruits and veggies on Saturday between 11 am-3 pm. You can do both! This weekend, get your daily recommended allowance of fruits, veggies, and musical theatre!

   

6. FINAL WEEKEND OF THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

   April 26, 2018 9:50 pm 1 Comment

   Tickets are on sale now for the remaining three performances: Friday, April 27 at 7 pm and Saturday, April 28 at 2 pm and 7 pm.

   Join us for a heartwarming tale that follows a stuffed toy in his quest to become “real.” The devoted little rabbit learns that love makes a “real” difference as he discovers the meaning of friendship. Don’t miss this story of loyalty and determination as seen through the eyes of a very special bunny.

   

   The Boy (Paul Webster) enjoys spending hours playing with the Velveteen Rabbit (Tatum Ramones). Photo by Sam Bailey.

7. ARIEL Joins in Celebration of Military Children

   April 8, 2018 7:48 pm Leave a Comment

   ARIEL Joins in Celebration of Military Children

   Porter Youth Center

   Saturday, April 7, 2018

   The Celebration of Military Children occurred on April 7, 2018. There were presentations and speeches in support of the children of military families who are annually recognized for their resiliency and important role in the military family.

   At the event, we engaged children and families with drawings for discounted or free tickets to productions, while educating them about ARIEL programs and answering questions they may have about our mission.

   Gladly representing ARIEL Theatrical were: Sandra and Renee Ortega, volunteers;  Heather Kirk, executive director; Frank Kragh and Alan Liddle, ARIEL Board trustees.

   

   

   

8. BIG SUMMER FUN AT ARIEL THEATRICAL

   April 3, 2018 4:22 pm 1 Comment

   Registration is open for Summer Programs at ARIEL Theatrical – Day Camps, Community Show and performances for all ages! Space is limited so don’t delay – check your schedule and register today!

   

   Sing, dance and celebrate summer with ARIEL Theatrical! Meet new friends and have an unforgettable adventure on stage. One, two and three-week day camps (9 am – 3 pm) with an extended day option (7:30 am – 5:30 pm) will allow for flexible drop-off and pick-up times. Try something new this summer at ARIEL!

   KIDS ON STAGE – Two sessions, June 4-8 and July 23-27. Children ages 4-12 are welcome to participate in these one-week camps that will teach musical theatre basics and give them a chance to try out their new skills on stage. Each camp concludes with a recital for family and friends.

   The Wizard of Oz – is a three-week camp Mondays-Fridays, June 11-29 with performances on June 29, 30, July 5, 6 and 7. Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they meet the Munchkins, bargain with the Wizard and contend with the Wicked Witch of the West. Youth ages 7-19 comprise this “Over the Rainbow” cast that will bring L. Frank Baum’s classic to life.

   Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS – is a two-week camp, Mondays-Fridays, July 9-20 with performances on July 20 & 21. Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course… sharing snacks. Young people ages 6-14 are invited to register.

   The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score. Be part of an epic adventure that will sweep audiences away to another time and place. Rehearsals begin Saturday, June 16. Open to high school and adult participants. Performances are on August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

9. Salinas Downtown Business Hop

   March 31, 2018 2:27 am Leave a Comment

   This Saturday, March 31, is the annual Salinas Downtown Business Hop! This event is very inviting for the guests to explore local shops and to get treats from local businesses. This event is family friendly, fun, and free. Enjoy the day from 11 am – 2 pm for a scavenger hunts, treats, smiles, and fun!

    

10. BIG NEWS FROM ARIEL THEATRICAL

    March 2, 2018 11:15 pm Leave a Comment

    Just confirmed…..Tuck Everlasting and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory are coming to ARIEL Theatrical Summer 2019! Two amazing musicals in one exciting summer!

    Based on the book by the same name, Tuck Everlasting follows Jesse Tuck and Winnie Foster as their friendship endures mysterious family secrets, the power of a magical spring and a suspicious man who threatens to topple their fragile existence. Stay tuned for dates and details!

    Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale of Charlie Bucket and his life changing trip to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory springs to life with music and dance in 2019. Kids won’t want to miss this sweet treat on stage! Information will be posted on the ARIEL website as soon as it is available.

    Two more reasons to visit ARIEL Theatrical! See you soon!