Category Archive: News

  1. 2017 may be coming to a close, but ARIEL is busier than ever!

    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!

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

    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

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

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

    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

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

    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

      

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

    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

  7. Summer Adventures Underway at ARIEL Theatrical

    It is 9:00 am on a Monday and the sound of children singing drifts down Main Street in Salinas. This can only mean one thing – Summer Camp at ARIEL has begun! There is a lot happening – seven weeks of camp, two recitals, 20 performances and hundreds of young people learning how to better navigate the stage and their lives while practicing accountability, respect, integrity, excellence and leadership.  There are 99 participants that are new to ARIEL and we would love to welcome even more! Limited availability remains for day-camp, so don’t delay if you are interested in a summer adventure on stage.

    We have an exciting bit of news to share about our community program, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  A generous ARIEL alumnus has committed to covering the registration fee for all participants! High school age youth and adults are invited to participate. Children as young as five may join the children’s chorus if they are siblings of high school participants or related to registered adults. Travel back in time to bring this Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors to life on stage. Rehearsals begin Monday, June 19. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity at ARIEL this summer!

    We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

    Light & MotionPeter Pan sponsor

    Valley Exxon – Summer Program sponsor

    Martinelli’s – Summer Camp Snack Sponsor

    A special thank you to our wonderful season sponsors:

    Aladin Properties

    Cardinale Moving & Storage

    Central Coast Cleaning

     

     

  8. National Volunteer Week – ARIEL LOVES VOLUNTEERS!

    Time, Talent or Treasure – ARIEL Volunteers share more than just smiles!
    To all who sew, build, paint, move sets, usher, take tickets, work concessions, fold and staple programs, help back stage, shepherd kids, apply make-up, clean, organize and countless other things, we appreciate you more than we can say. ARIEL wouldn’t be ARIEL without you.  If you would like to become more involved with the community and make a difference in the lives of young people, consider sharing a bit of time, talent or treasure with ARIEL. 
    Volunteers of all ages help to create costumes for the upcoming production of Disney's Lion King KIDS.

    Volunteers of all ages help to create costumes for the upcoming production of Disney’s Lion King KIDS.

     

    Hayashi | Wayland Gives Back - Day of service at ARIEL.

    Hayashi | Wayland Gives Back – Day of service at ARIEL.

  9. 2017 Season is in full swing at ARIEL!

    The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre is in high gear with Chicken Little, Seussical™ and The Play’s the Thing. There’s singing, there’s dancing, and there are dozens of young people preparing to present exciting shows for the community while practicing Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership.  If your child has not had a chance to share in the magic of ARIEL, don’t delay! Registration is now open for the ARIEL production of Charlotte’s Web (ages 6 to 18) and Early Bird Tuition is available through February 10. Other favorites are right around the corner, including Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan Three Week Summer Camp, and DISNEY’S THE LION KING KIDS Two Week Summer Camp. Catch the acting bug and sing your way through 2017 at ARIEL.

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  10. Early Bird Discount extended – Seussical™ & The Play’s the Thing

    2017 is right around the corner, and to ring in the new year, ARIEL is extending the early bird discount for Seussical™ and our day-time class, The Play’s the Thing. Receive a 10% discount when tuition is paid in full by January 3, 2017. Seussical™ rehearsals begin Saturday January 14 and will culminate in the annual Sherwood Hall performance run during the week of March 6 – 10 for 10,000+ school children from Salinas and all over Monterey County. The Play’s the Thing classes begin Friday, January 20 and run through Friday, February 17. We are thrilled to announce our first Kindergarten day-time theatre class along with two levels of combat choreography. Learning how to fight on stage takes timing and practice, but don’t fight the urge to start out the new  year with ARIEL Theatrical……and a little extra money in your pocket.

    SEUSSICAL™ REGISTRATION

    THE PLAY’S THE THING REGISTRATION