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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darren Adler on July 31, 2026. Darren was a dear friend and dedicated employee of ARIEL Theatrical for more than 30 years. He brought a kind, calming presence to the “mic line” and intentionally scheduled his life so that he would be available for tech weeks and performances at ARIEL. Making time for the young casts at ARIEL was not only a priority, it was a source of joy in Darren’s life. Darren will be fondly remembered and missed by all. The Adler family has announced that a service for Darren will be held on Friday, August 7 at 10 am, 255 Alvin Drive, Salinas. All are invited.

Darren with a furry friend.

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If you are fishing for a summertime event for the whole family, catch the beloved American classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, on stage at ARIEL Theatrical. Performers from our local community set the scene as Tom, Huck, Becky, and a colorful cast of characters jump into adventures and misadventures on the banks of the Mississippi River. This production features veteran ARIEL performers, community players of all ages, and live bluegrass music for a summer production not to be missed!

Performances: July 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 at 7 pm on all dates, with additional 2 pm shows on Saturdays

Location: The Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre – Home of ARIEL Theatrical, 320 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

Tickets: Adults – $20, Students/Seniors/Military – $18, Children 3-12 – $12, Under age 3 – FREE

Tickets may be purchased online HERE, over the phone (831-775-0976), and at the ARIEL box office (advance purchase or at the door until sold out).

Celebrating 25 years on Main Street in Salinas, ARIEL Theatrical provides opportunities for children to explore the stage while learning valuable lessons about Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership – A-R-I-E-L. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage.

ARIEL is honored to acknowledge the Sally Hughes Church Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Partner. ARIEL is also grateful to local individuals and businesses for their generous support, including 2026 Season Sponsors, Taylor Farms, Hastie Financial Group, Tanimura Family Foundation, Cardinale Moving & Storage and Aladin Properties. Show sponsors include Teichert Foundation and Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop.

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

The post THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER OPENS THIS FRIDAY! appeared first on ARIEL Theatrical.

We are excited to be “backstage” at the Salinas Rodeo again and we invite you join us as a volunteer representing ARIEL Theatrical. Go behind-the-scenes at one of the largest annual events in Monterey County as you work with friends and neighbors setting up and serving in the VIP Hospitality Tent. Volunteers ages 14+ are welcome. 

Every volunteer hour will be tracked and used to calculate the contribution given to ARIEL from the Salinas Rodeo Foundation. Volunteering at the Salinas Rodeo definitely puts the “FUN” in fundraising!

There are many shift options including concert and Pre-Rodeo set-up (July 10-15), Rodeo days (July 16-19), and Post-Rodeo take-down (July 20). You may sign-up for multiple shifts, and if you’d like to work with friends or family members, sign-up for the same shift and volunteer together! All details are listed on the Google sign up form that can be found HERE. Please note – shift sign ups are due by July 7. 

For specific dates, details and other important information about this opportunity, click HERE. 

We hope you’ll consider joining this fundraising effort that will directly benefit ARIEL Theatrical programs for youth. If you are unable to volunteer at this time but would like to make a direct donation to ARIEL, please click HERE to access our Zeffy donation page. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Rodeo, and at ARIEL!

The post Giddy-up and volunteer at the Salinas Rodeo to support ARIEL appeared first on ARIEL Theatrical.

Could the sky be falling? Chicken Little is convinced that it is and begins frantically spreading the news all over the farm. Could there be more to the story? Come on down to the farm at ARIEL and watch the drama unfold as Chicken Little’s furry and feathered barnyard friends put their heads together in search of answers.   

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

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PERFORMANCES:
Tickets linked to each date below

The post MERLIN’S APPRENTICE OPENS THIS FRIDAY appeared first on ARIEL Theatrical.

For 25 years, ARIEL Theatrical has been a fixture on Main Street, and on April 3, our doors will be open for a “First Friday Salinas” Open House.

Take this opportunity to explore our space, peek behind the scenes, chat with our staff and board, and learn more about ARIEL programs and performances.

We’ll have sweet treats and an exclusive ticket deal for our upcoming production of Merlin’s Apprentice for our First Friday friends – while supplies last, of course. We’ll be here from 5-8 pm, or until the treats run out, so bring a friend and come say hi!

The post OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd! appeared first on ARIEL Theatrical.

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Your monthly donations will support our year-round theatre programs that help kids learn the importance of incorporating Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership into every area of their lives.

Click HERE to sign up through our payment platform Zeffy to begin your monthly donations.

Thank you for supporting ARIEL Theatrical!

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