Salinas, California (May 7, 2019) – Special Kids Connect, in collaboration with Salinas-based ARIEL Theatrical, is presenting Swantastique on Saturday morning, May 18, at 10:30 am at the Karen Wilson Children’s Theatre, 320 Main Street in Oldtown Salinas. REACH Theatre is an inclusive theatre arts program designed to accommodate children and young adults, ages 12 to 22, with a wide range of abilities. Through REACH Theatre, young people with special needs are given the opportunity take part in a theatre arts program, alongside their typically developing peers, over a six-week period, culminating with a final family-friendly performance, open to the public.
Swantastique is a musical whose script is inspired by the story, The Ugly Duckling, but is told in a very different way. In the Hans Christian Anderson classic, the Ugly Duckling is shunned by all until the “duckling’s” inner beauty is matched by his outward transformation into a beautiful swan. In REACH Theatre’s version, the young duckling is shunned by her farm animal peers because she doesn’t have the ability to play the games her peers are playing. When a flock of beautiful swans eagerly welcomes her by finding a game that they all can play, the rest of the farm animals learn a lesson of inclusion in an inspiring and heartwarming way.
Under the theatrical and music direction of Devon Hubert, and a script adaptation by Jenn Luzader, REACH Theatre’s 10th season production will have one of its largest cast to date, with 27 actors on and off the stage during the show.
REACH Theatre, so named for Special Kids Connect’s motto, “Helping Special Kids Reach for the Stars,” is one of Special Kids Connect’s many REACH community programs, including basketball, bowling, culinary, and golf, each of which are designed with inclusion in mind. REACH Theatre encourages the general public to come out, support this young group of actors, and enjoy the show. MYO Frozen Yogurt will be on hand to provide yummy treats at an all-inclusive cast party (for the cast and audience!) in the theatre lobby after the show.
Tickets are $8 per person (ages 2 and under are free) and are available at https://reachticketsspring2019.eventbrite.com, or by calling Special Kids Connect at (831) 372-2730. Tickets are also available at the door.
Special Kids Connect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to develop resources, raise awareness and provide support for children with disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www.specialkidsconnect.org.
