Auditions for “The Music Man”
Auditions for The Music Man
Saturday, February 18, 2017
1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The historic Ariel Opera House is pleased to announce the formation of The Ariel Singers who, along with The Ariel Children’s Chorus, plan to present Meredith Willson’s hit musical The Music Man — this season marking it’s 50th Anniversary. This Tony award winning Broadway musical and Oscar winning movie is about a con man (Robert Preston) coming to a small midwestern town to sell band instruments and uniforms to unsuspecting parents, but falls in love with Marian Paroo (Shirley Jones), the town librarian and music teacher. The show is full of hit songs and features barbershop music at its best.
Auditions for the cast of over 30 individuals will be held in the 3rd floor Ariel Chamber Theatre from 1-4 p.m. on February 18. Cast members must be able to match pitch and sing either unison melody or soprano, alto, tenor or bass. Rehearsals will begin Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Cast members will include townspeople, a marching band, and individual roles for both children and adults.
The production will open on June 17, 2017.
Judy Cavendish, conductor of the choirs, will be the Musical Director of the production. Stage director, choreographer, and other technical staff will be announced soon. For more information, contact Judy at (443) 204-5312.
THE STORY OF JOHN GEE: The Ariel’s Black History Celebration
Sunday, February 12, 2017
at 2:00 p.m.
The Story of John Gee, Hero of Gallipolis, is presented as part of the Ariel Opera House’s celebration of Black History month. Gee was born in Cincinnati in 1798 and came to Gallipolis between 1818 and 1822 as a free African American. Intelligent, industrious, hard-working and gifted in several areas, Gee built up his business building fine houses (some of which are still standing today), raised a large family, was active in his church and was a philanthropist. He donated the land for the “Colored Cemetery” and for his church. He built sidewalks in the town where he was the largest landowner of the time, all of this while living on the border of a slave state. At night, he was a known conductor of the Underground Railroad rescuing countless numbers of men, women and children desperate to escape slavery. Join us as historian Elaine Armstrong weaves the story and The Ohio Valley Symphony Woodwind Quintet performs music of the times including that of African American composer William Grant Still.
This is a free event!
Read MoreAddison Coldren Art Exhibition
Saturday, March 25, 2017
at 4:00 p.m.
The Ariel’s Artists and Authors Series welcomes local artist Addison Coldren who will be talking and answering questions about her works. Her eye for the “small worlds” in nature is incorporated into her art – from silver jewelry design to photography. Addison’s exhibit will feature several mordançage prints, a photographic process used to manipulate emulsion, as well as paintings, ceramics, and silver jewelry.
Addison is a senior at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and a 2013 alumnus of River Valley High School in Bidwell, Ohio. She has been involved in events at the Ariel Opera House in Gallipolis, Ohio since 2010 as both a seasonal employee and a volunteer.
Make an full evening of entertainment at the Ariel Opera House and purchase your tickets to the evening Ohio Valley Symphony concert Judy! featuring Joan Ellison, vocalist. Click here for ticket information!
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JUDY! Garland, Joan Ellison, Vocalist
March 25, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Joan Ellison has been praised for her “vocal prowess….[and] organic grasp of the classic songs” by Michael Feinstein, and “possess[ing] a crystalline voice that never stops” (Donald Rosenberg, The Plain Dealer). She has been performing Garland tunes with symphony orchestras and in theaters for several years, but the 2016 TheatreZone (Naples, Florida) production of The Boy From Oz marked the first time she had ever actually played Judy.
Read MoreO.O. McIntyre Book Signing with Author R. Scott Williams
Saturday, April 22, 2017
at 4:30 p.m.
Author Scott Williams will be holding a book signing as part of the Ariel’s Artists and Authors Series for the new release of his story of Gallipolis native O. O. McIntyre titled An Odd Book at the Ariel Opera House where copies of his book will be available for sale. Scott will be talking and answering questions about his work. This comprehensive book tells the story of Odd McIntyre who achieved great fame and fortune in New York in the early decades of the 20th century. In his daily column “New York Day by Day” as well as articles in national magazines like Cosmopolitan and Life, Odd recorded a time and place undergoing great transition and innovation in communication, politics, art and entertainment.
In anticipation of the book, Williams has also launched several social media initiatives to help the public learn more about Odd McIntyre and his work.
The Homecoming, Philip Armstrong, tenor
April 22, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
A native of Bidwell Ohio, Philip Keith Armstrong’s musical interest began as a young child singing the
National Anthem, a capella, at all the home football & basketball games at area high schools & colleges. He was awarded two full-time Presidential Scholarships to Shenandoah College & Conservatory of Music in VA and Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. Mr. Armstrong earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Akron. As a soloist he has traveled extensively in the U.S. as a member of the widely acclaimed Central State University Singers, recording with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Amen: A Gospel Celebration with Jennifer Holiday, Maureen McGovern, Lou Rawls, and Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess featuring Cab Calloway. Both records were nominated for Grammy awards.
Barb White’s Piano Student Recital 2017
Sunday, May 7, 2017
2:00 p.m.
Ariel Chamber Theatre
The historic Ariel Opera House presents a Piano Recital of students of local instructor Barb White. Join us for this free Sunday afternoon concert to be held in the 3rd floor Ariel Chamber Theatre.
Admission is free ~ donations accepted at the door.
Read More13th Annual Tri-County Gospel Sing
May 20, 2017 at 6 p.m.
Join the historic Ariel Opera House in welcoming the Tri-County Gospel Sing, presented by Pastor Rick Barcus of the Addison Free Will Baptist Church.
Featuring: Brian’s Family Connection
Covered by Love • Dayspring
Fishermen’s Net Singers • Neal Family
New Creation • New Salvation • New Covenant
Ordinary People • Rick & Ginny Towe
Ricky & Marie Alley • Singing Shafers
Victory River Quartet • West Virginia Couriers
Brenda Hensley • Karen Polcyn
Lisa Browning • Mike Cadle • Vickie Moore• Randy Parsons • Joint-Heirs
This concert is free to the public. A love offering will be collected. Doors open at 5 pm and the concert starts at 6 pm.
Read More2016 Ariel Façade Updates
December 11, 2016 Gallipolis, OH
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The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre installed a new sign on November 21 to take it a step closer to its original opulence. According to the Ariel’s Executive Director Lora Lynn Snow, the new sign pays homage to the theatre’s origination as the Ariel Opera House and reflect the coexistence of The Ohio Valley Symphony, the Ariel’s resident professional orchestra.
2016-17 Season Subscription! The Ohio Valley Symphony
Join The Ohio Valley Symphony for the 27th Season featuring 5 exciting concerts in our home, Ariel-Dater Hall. Order subscriptions online or call the box office today at 740-446-ARTS!
Read More27th Annual Brittany’s Prom Style Review
Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Brittany’s 27th Annual Prom Style Review
Join the historic Ariel Theatre in welcoming Brittany’s Fashions and students from area high schools to the main stage. The audience is in for a treat!
All proceeds of this spectacular event benefit the continuing restoration of the historic Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre. Brittany’s owner Kay Hardway is excited to again showcase teens from 8 area high schools modeling the new 2016 prom styles.
Get your tickets early!
Read MoreDavid Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra
September 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Violinist David Kim was named Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1999. Born in Carbondale, Illinois in 1963, he started playing the violin at the age of three, began studies with the famed pedagogue Dorothy DeLay at the age of eight, and later received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School.
Highlights of Mr. Kim’s 2015-16 season includes teaching/performance residencies at Oberlin College, Bob Jones University, and The Boston Conservatory of Music, continued appearances as concertmaster of the All-Star Orchestra on PBS stations across the USA and online at the Kahn Academy; recitals, speaking engagements, and appearances with orchestras across the United States; multiple solo performances with the The Philadelphia Orchestra including the Brahms Double Concerto, the Beethoven Triple Concerto, and a New Year’s Eve performance of the Meditation from Thais with Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting; and the launching of the first annual David Kim Orchestral Institute of Cairn University in Philadelphia where he is also a Professor of Violin Studies.
Read More153rd Emancipation Day Celebration
Friday, September 16, 2016
6:00 pm – Homecoming Reception, 2nd Floor
7:00 pm – Featured Performance, Auditorium
The Gallia County Emancipation Board will honor and dedicate the 2016 Homecoming Reception and Concert in memory of Board Member and Area Philanthropist George “Ray” McKinniss who passed away December 2015. The 2016 Homecoming Reception and Concert will be held Friday, September 16, 2016 at the Ariel-Dater Hall located at 426 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, Ohio beginning at 6:00 pm.
History of the Annual Emancipation Day
The Emancipation Proclamation has been celebrated and observed in Gallia County, Ohio continuously since 1863. The Gallia County Emancipation Day Celebration is reported to be one of the longest continuous running celebrations of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States.
Read MoreBring Your Friends Concert! Ariel Children’s Chorus
October 9, 2016
2:00 p.m.
Ariel Chamber Theatre
The Historic Ariel Theatre presents The Ariel Children’s Chorus Concert under the direction of Judith Cavendish with accompanist Barb White. Join us for this free concert which will also feature students of piano and voice.
Admission is free ~ donations accepted at the door.
Read More2016 River Recreation Scholarship Pageant
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Saturday June 18, 2016 at 6:00 pm
River Recreation Scholarship Pageant
Purchase Tickets
Note: One accompanying-adult ticket will be provided free for Little Miss and Little Mister contestants. Please call the box office to make reservation.
VIP-Individual Ticket $15; VIP-Child under 12 $10
Individual Ticket $10; Child under 12 $5
Join the historic Ariel-Dater Hall in welcoming the 2016 River Recreation Scholarship Pageant to our stage. The evening will feature contestants for Queen, Jr. Queen, and Little Miss and Little Mister River Recreation. To The Pointe Dance Studio will also perform.
Scholarships for this year’s pageant are being provided by River City Outdoor Advertising, The University of Rio Grande, and Westbanco.
For more information about the pageant entry,
contact Queen Pageant Chairperson Jamie Pratt at 740-339-2710.
Be sure to visit the local Gallipolis area sponsors to this fantastic community event! They include:
Mane Designers Salon & Spa • Floral Fashions • Gallipolis Career College
Halfelts Mill Outlet • Image Gallery • Gary Jarvis CPA
Jr. Womens Club • Kiwanis Club • Baskets Delight • The Beauty Bar
The Ariel Children’s Chorus Concert
Sunday, May 8, 2016
2:00 p.m.
Ariel Chamber Theatre
The Historic Ariel Theatre presents The Ariel Children’s Chorus Concert under the direction of Judith Cavendish with accompanist Barb White. Join us for this free concert which will also feature students of piano and voice.
Admission is free ~ donations accepted at the door.
Read More2015-16 Season Subscription! The Ohio Valley Symphony

2015-16 Season
Join The Ohio Valley Symphony for the 26th Season featuring 5 exciting concerts in our home, Ariel-Dater Hall. Order subscriptions online or call the box office today at 740-446-ARTS!
Read MoreCarl Michael Magic & Illusion 2016
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Friday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m.
The art of magic is making the impossible possible. To bring the audience out of their everyday world and connect them to what lies beyond. Surprise, shock and astonishment are simply the means to a greater goal: to awaken the sense of mystery and awe that lies dormant in all of us.
For millennia, the secrecy, inexplicability and mystery of magic and illusion have enraptured mankind, tapping into the primal human yearning to pierce the veil of reality. In every age, great performers have emerged to update and redefine this most ancient of art forms. Carl Michael is such a performer.![]()
From childhood, Carl Michael has immersed himself in the study and practice of magic and illusion. His voracious quest for perfection, relentless work ethic, enormous talent, and astonishing skill and creativity have yielded one of the most brilliant young illusionists of our day.
We invite you to enter the world of Carl Michael. It is a world where everything you know is wrong, what is real and what is illusion merge into a new kind of possibility, a new take on reality.
Your journey awaits you. We invite you to begin. carlmichaelmagic.com
Glorious Guitars, Tim Berens & Craig Wagner
Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Tim Berens’ multi-faceted career gives testament to his lifelong quest to learn, perform and write music. So far, his venture has led him through the worlds of classical guitar, jazz guitar, orchestral guitar, arranging, orchestration, and conducting.
During his years as the guitarist for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Tim played guitar, banjo, mandolin and bouzouki on concerts, recordings, television programs, and tours. Beginning in the late 1990’s, Tim began arranging for the CPO, eventually becoming the orchestra’s principal arranger.
Tim’s arrangements caught the ears of others and he began receiving commissions from many leading conductors and major orchestras. His arrangements are performed hundreds of times
Read More12th Annual Tri-County Gospel Sing
May 21, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Join the historic Ariel-Dater Hall in welcoming the Tri-County Gospel Sing, presented by Pastor Rick Barcus of the Addison Free Will Baptist Church.
Featured guests include GLORYLAND BELIEVERS * COVERED BY LOVE * BRIAN & FAMILY CONNECTION * MIKE CADLE * NEW CREATION * RICKY & MARIE ALLEY * SINGING SHAFERS * LISA KEMP BROWNING * RICK & GINNY TOWE * BRENDA HENSLEY * THE NEAL FAMILY * NEW SALVATION * KAREN POLCYN * NEW CITY SINGERS * SCOTT FRASER * FISHERMEN’S NET SINGERS * RANDY PARSONS * THE NEAL FAMILY * NEW COVENANT * BRENDA MCDANIEL * MARTY SHORT * VICTORY RIVER QUARTET
This concert is free to the public. A love offering will be collected. Doors open at 5 pm and the concert starts at 6 pm.
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Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre
home to The Ohio Valley Symphony
426 Second Avenue
Gallipolis, Ohio
740-446-ARTS 
