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  1. ARIEL THEATRICAL ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2018 – Salinas, CA … ARIEL Theatrical announced that Heather Kirk has accepted the position of Executive Director. Kirk joined the ARIEL team nearly two years ago as the Development Director. She navigated challenges following the devastating fire that gutted the neighboring Dick Bruhn building with an optimistic outlook and focused on establishing new community partners and maximizing outreach efforts. She continues to reinforce the efforts of the production team and maintain a level of excellence that has been established at ARIEL. As a parent and long-time proponent of positive artistic outlets for young people, Kirk is determined to enlist broad support and promote the sustainability of, as one parent described, this “jewel in our community.”

    Kirk is thrilled to take a more public role as an advocate for an organization that has touched so many lives for more than three decades. She recently stated, “It is inspiring and exciting to see how the process of bringing a musical production to the stage works as an ideal environment for teaching valuable life lessons to our young cast members. The result when the curtain opens is a reflection of not only hours and hours of hard work but also the principles that each young person has embraced and put into action. It is truly magical to watch!”

    Kirk is dedicated to the ARIEL mission of helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives and looks forward to enlisting support for this effort on stage, behind the scenes, in the audience and all throughout Monterey County.

    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 – A-R-I-E-L. 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.  Visit ARIEL in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street in Salinas City Center, online at www.arieltheatrical.org or call 831-775-0976.

     

  2. HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ARIEL THEATRICAL!

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    What does 2018 have in store for you? At the beginning of each new year we gear up, get energized and prepare for what’s ahead. We hope that ARIEL will be part of your 2018 plans. We have programs for young people, day-time theatre classes, off-site after school programs, summer camps, and even a community program every summer open to high school age and older with opportunities for families to be on stage together. The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre is literally filled with song and dance all year long! Registration is open for our beginning program, Tikki Tikki Tembo (ages 4-12), and our Sherwood Hall show, Wonderland! (ages 7 & up).  And if you have a home-schooler, our daytime class, The Play’s the Thing, is still open for enrollment.

    We are thrilled to have received a generous grant from the Andrew and Phyllis D’Arrigo Charitable Foundation to upgrade our sound system. We are more than happy to retire our very well-used wireless mics and look forward to a vast improvement in sound quality. Casts and audiences alike will benefit from this investment.

    We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received from individuals, businesses and foundations as we deliver programs that help young people learn to lead principle-centered lives. We hope that you plan to make ARIEL part of your new year. Check out the full schedule and see what adventures are in store for you and your family. Whether you are on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience, we welcome you and look forward to a fabulous year!

  3. NARNIA – THE LATEST REVIEW

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    “That……was……AWESOME!” A young boy proclaimed this glowing review in the lobby at ARIEL Theatrical at the conclusion of Narnia opening night. Don’t miss the epic adventures of the Pevensie children as they face a challenge that will truly test the best that’s in their hearts. Will Narnia remain in frozen desolation? Will Aslan confront the White Witch? Will spring ever come again? Come to ARIEL Theatrical and find out!

    The remaining shows are December 8, 9, 15 & 16, Fridays at 7 pm and Saturdays at 2 pm and 7 pm. All shows take place at ARIEL Theatrical in the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, Salinas. Tickets may be purchased in our box office, online at www.arieltheatrical.org, or by calling 831-775-0976.

    Support the Monterey County Women’s Shelters by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to add to the donation barrel in the lobby at ARIEL. Share some Christmas joy with those who need it the most.

    See you in Narnia!

     

  4. GIVING TUESDAY 2017 – SHOW ARIEL YOU CARE

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    How can just a regular, run-of-the-mill Tuesday make a difference at ARIEL? It can when it is GIVING TUESDAY. Take a minute to reflect on what ARIEL means to you, your family, and your community. Why is it important to practice Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership? What sets ARIEL apart from other youth theatres? How can you show that you value the mission of ARIEL Theatrical? Make a donation that will fund everything that happens at ARIEL. Give a little or give a lot and help keep the ARIEL stage a place where young people learn to make the world a better place. Thank you for investing in ARIEL Theatrical.

    DONATE NOW

  5. 2017 may be coming to a close, but ARIEL is busier than ever!

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    It’s hard to believe that Halloween is here. Where has 2017 gone? Time flies when you are having fun, especially when you are having fun at ARIEL Theatrical!

    Most people associate ARIEL with the ten musical productions that are presented throughout the year, including shows like Stone Soup (November 3 & 4) and Narnia (December 1 – 16, Fridays at 7 pm and Saturdays at 2 pm and 7 pm), which will close out the 2017 Season. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover that these ten productions are just the beginning! Throughout the year, we provide three eight-week sessions of day time theatre classes for home-schooled students, all concluding with a recital showcase for family and friends. ARIEL is also branching out into the community even more with off-site theatre programs at several local elementary schools (Mission Park in Salinas, King in Seaside, Monte Vista in Monterey). This program has been extremely successful and could potentially grow to include eight schools in the very near future.

    Another highlight of each season is our partnership with Special Kids Crusade. REACH Theatre invites youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to team up with ARIEL mentors for five weekly rehearsals that culminate in a live musical for the entire community. REACH Theatre is a fabulous way to highlight the principles that ARIEL teaches and encourages, as young volunteers create an atmosphere where all participants, whatever their challenges, can bring their very best to the stage. Special Kids Crusade recently released a REACH Theatre Behind-the-scenes documentary that captures some of the joy and inspiration that is created with this special group of kids.

    ARIEL Theatrical makes attending live performances possible for many in our community through the Outreach Ticket Program. Thanks to generous funding from organicgirl, ARIEL is able to provide complimentary tickets to several child and youth advocacy organizations, along with other underserved populations. This program has connected ARIEL with many young people who may not normally have the opportunity to attend such events.

    ARIEL Theatrical really does a lot more than produce a few musicals each year. Our mission-focused programs benefit our participants and our audiences on many levels. We hope to increase our impact and broaden our reach as we enlist the support of local businesses and foundations. Check out our sponsorship packet and join our growing number of community partners. We can’t wait for 2018! See you soon at ARIEL Theatrical!

  6. Good Grief! You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Opens Friday, October 6.

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    Charlie Brown (Saturnino Macias III) brings supper to an anxiously awaiting Snoopy (Nancy Rodriguez) in ARIEL Theatrical’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Photo credit: Sam Bailey

    Experience a day in the life of Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang as they ride the roller coaster of life, with all of its ups and downs. With music and lyrics by Clark Gesner, audiences of all ages will embrace this patchwork of vignettes. Watch as the drama unfolds and important life lessons are shared through the clever, heart-warming and hilarious wisdom of your favorite Peanuts characters. As Snoopy and Linus daydream, Charlie Brown can’t seem to get the attention of the Little Red-Haired Girl. Misunderstandings and misguided advice add to the witty banter, and everyone learns that happiness is all around if you know where to look.

    Performances: October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21,

    Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7 pm

    Location: Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, Salinas

    Tickets: Adults $13, Students/Seniors/Military $11, Children 3-12 $9, Under age 3 – FREE

  7. Closing Weekend – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – August 18 & 19

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    Don’t miss the musical that audiences are raving about! Comments from audience members include: “Incredible!” “We loved it!” “Delightful!” I’ve got to see it again!” “Unbelievable production!” “This is our first time to ARIEL and we are sold!”

    If you want to be entertained, inspired and uplifted, don’t miss closing weekend of the ARIEL community show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The only thing better than being in the audience for the performance is being in the cast! They love the show and are having a blast bringing their best to the stage for every performance….and it shows! If you want to see this ancient Biblical drama come to life, get your tickets early! Joseph and his brothers have quite an adventure that you don’t want to miss!  “All we need is an hour or two, to tell the tale of a dreamer like you.”
    Dream a little this summer, with ARIEL Theatrical.

  8. The community show is coming! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens Friday, August 4.

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    Turn back the sands of time and travel far across the sea for a family drama of Biblical proportions. Joseph, the favorite son and prophetic dreamer, contends with the antics of his eleven jealous brothers after he receives a gift from his father. The coveted coat of many colors is the catalyst for an epic tale that carries Joseph on a journey of betrayal, despair, faith, forgiveness, and ultimately, triumph. Performers of all ages come together for the annual Community Show that is always a highlight of the summer. The Broadway score features favorite songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The eclectic musical mix will have you dancing in your seats with country/western crooning, calypso beats, and even the Elvis impersonating Pharaoh live from Egypt!  Bring your family, friends and brothers to the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre to see the story come to life. “All we need is an hour or two, to tell the tale of a dreamer like you.” Dream a little this summer, with ARIEL Theatrical.

    Performances: August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 19, Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7 pm

    Location: Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, Salinas

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

    Tickets may be purchased online (www.arieltheatrical.org), by phone (831-775-0976), at the ARIEL box office, or at the door. Seating is limited.

    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat is sponsored by Silva Farms, LLC.

    All summer programs are sponsored by Valley Exxon, 1050 S. Main Street, Salinas.

    Valley Exxon 1050 S. Main Street, Salinas

  9. Disney’s Lion King KIDS comes to ARIEL – One weekend only!

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    For one weekend only, the ARIEL Theatrical stage will welcome some of your favorite characters from this beloved Disney classic. More than 50 young summer campers will lead the audience on a journey through the jungle to Pride Rock as the young lion, Simba, discovers his destiny. Be inspired as spunky lioness Nala, charming meerkat Timon and loveable warthog Pumbaa stand by Simba as he faces his wicked Uncle Scar to claim his rightful place on the throne. With original Broadway songs from Elton John and Tim Rice, colorfully bold costumes, and a story that will inspire young and old, Disney’s The Lion King KIDS is a must-see this summer! The circle of life awaits at ARIEL Theatrical.

    Performances: July 28 and 29, Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 10 am, 2 pm and 7 pm

    Location: Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street, Salinas

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

    Tickets may be purchased online (www.arieltheatrical.org), by phone (831-775-0976), at the ARIEL box office, or at the door. Seating is limited.

    Disney’s The Lion King KIDS is sponsored by Lavorato & Darling, Inc., Joe Mitchell Orthodontics and Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss.

    All summer programs are sponsored by Valley Exxon, 1050 S. Main Street, Salinas.

    Summer camp snack is sponsored by Martinelli’s and Star Market.

     

    Valley Exxon 1050 S. Main St, Salinas

      

  10. Four more chances to see Peter Pan at ARIEL!

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    Opening weekend with our cast of more than 50 summer campers was magical! Follow the “second star to the right” and you’ll find yourself at the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, just in time to visit Neverland. Peter Pan, Wendy, Michael and John have an adventure of a lifetime with the Lost Boys, Pirates, Indians and the determined Captain Hook. If you listen closely, you can hear, “tick, tock, tick, tock, tick tock.” That’s either the sound of the ticking Crocodile hungry for Captain Hook, or time running out on your chance to see Peter Pan at ARIEL Theatrical. Don’t miss it!

    Shows on July 6, 7 & 8, Thursday & Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm.

     

    PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

    Photo by Jesse Villasenor