I first met Michelle Russell in 1990. I was directing the South
Valley Civic Theatre’s children’s production of
”
Narnia
”
. Michelle played a unicorn. She didn’t have a leading role, but
I still remember the cheerful blond girl who sparkled with
enthusiasm.
I first met Michelle Russell in 1990. I was directing the South Valley Civic Theatre’s children’s production of “Narnia”. Michelle played a unicorn. She didn’t have a leading role, but I still remember the cheerful blond girl who sparkled with enthusiasm. The following year I directed “The Great Race” and cast Michelle as a bear who wore head phones and mimed bopping to music throughout the show. Recently, she reminded me that she didn’t have any lines and spent the entire show sitting in a tree. Still, I was impressed with her energy and commitment and remember her as a joy to work with.
She went on to play non-animal roles in a couple of SVCT teen shows and then I lost track of her. While glancing through the City of Gilroy Recreation Activity Guide this past year, I came across the name Michelle Russell Serrano, director of the children’s production of “Alice in Wonderland”. Could it be the little unicorn from 20 years ago, I wondered? I picked up the phone and sure enough the person on the other end of the line was the very same Michelle, now married and still sparkling with enthusiasm.
Michelle was home schooled and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Bible studies, theology and youth ministry. After graduating, she entered San Jose State University as a theater major, earning another bachelor’s degree with a concentration in musical theater.
After doing five shows a year and writing a thesis, she felt a bit burned out and decided not to pursue a theater-related job. Instead, she went to work at CordeValle in San Martin and is currently their sales and marketing coordinator. She also works at the Carmel Academy for Performing Arts, teaching musical theater, singing and ballet to 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. Along the way she married her childhood friend, Isaac, the youth pastor at South Valley Church.
Last year, Michelle spoke to Cathy Mirelez about adding more classes to the City of Gilroy Recreation Activity Guide and, as a result, became the director of “Alice in Wonderland”. The production was a success and this summer Michelle is directing 48 young people in “Disney’s 101 Dalmations, Kids”. Although Michelle and her husband are presently in Israel on a two-week study tour for youth ministers, she feels confident that the kids are well prepared and will be ready when the show opens July 15.
Michelle confessed that although she didn’t know it at the time, she fell in love with theater when she was 10 years old.
“The arts, including piano, dance, choir and theater, have given me discipline and a higher level of commitment, which has carried over into every other part of my life,” she said.
She feels it is important to now give back to other kids. As a director, she loves the process of watching a production grow from a bunch of nervous, kooky kids to a show that gives the audience an hour of laughter and enjoyment. Her goal is to open a studio that will offer fitness, dance and theater. I look forward to seeing her dream come true.
***
Gilroy’s free summer music series opened last Friday night. Although the weather was chilly, music by Blue Dog had audiences tapping their feet and dancing in the street. Fifth Street Live, brought to you by The Gilroy Arts Alliance and the Gilroy Downtown Business Association, will continue every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. until Aug. 26, with the exception of July 29, which is the start of Garlic Festival weekend. Bring your own chair and snacks or get takeout at a near-by restaurant. New to the event this year is a summer raffle package that includes golf for four at Eagle Ridge, two rooms for one night at the Hilton Garden Inn and $100 for dinner at Garlic City Cafe. Raffle tickets are available at all concerts during the summer. The drawing will be held at the last concert on Aug. 26. Save your blue tickets and be sure to attend the final concert.
***
You don’t want to miss Limelight Actors Theater’s production of “Norman, Is That You?” The comedy, featuring Bill Tindall, Lance LaShelle, Charity Berg, JoAnna Evans and Kevin Heath, will have your roaring with laughter.
***
UPCOMING EVENTS
– “Disney’s 101 Dalmations, Kids”
July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23
Gilroy High School Theater
$7. Details: (408) 848-0449
– “Norman, Is That You?”
June 17 – July 9
Friday and Saturday 8 p.m.
Gilroy Center for the Arts, Monterey at Seventh Street
Details: (408) 472 -3292
– “Art of Our Fathers and Mothers”
Through July 10
Tuesday and Wednesday 2 – 6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gilroy Center for the Arts, Monterey at Seventh Street
– Fifth Street Live!
Friday evenings 7 – 9 p.m. through Aug. 26 on Fifth Street, Gilroy, between Monterey and Eigleberry
Tonight: The Blue Sky Band (folk, electric)
July 7: Second Wind (country)
July 15: John Garcia (blues)
July 22: Sagebrush (folk country)
Aug. 5: Fast Lane (rock & roll)
Aug 12: South Bay Swing Band (Miller, Goodman, Dorsey)
Aug. 19: Unusual Suspects (classic rock)
Aug. 26: JJ Hawg (rock & roll/blues edge)
