San Diego Non-Profit 'Arms Wide Open' Offers Inclusive and Diverse Programs Culminating Into Their Latest Production of 'Newsies'
There are some who see the words "inclusivity" and "diversity" as bad words, almost as if they are terms of profanity but there are many who see these words as a positive. A group in San Diego called Arms Wide Open aims to be both inclusive and diverse in their efforts. The program offers classes that foster creativity, providing social opportunities where, in some cases, none exist for atypical individuals.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs or disabilities by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the performing arts.
I was recently invited by a friend to see one of their current performances of Disney's Newsies. My friend and I are Hearties (fans of Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart) and POstables (fans of Hallmark Mystery's Signed, Sealed, Delivered) and our mutual friends (also Hearties and POstables) are active in the organization.
AWO's Newsies (the Broadway show that made Jeremy Jordan a star) could have given the original cast a run for its money. The show was the first production under their "Inspire" program which is comprised of all ages, talents, and abilities. Cast included both typical and atypical actors. Rehearsals began in November 2023 culminating into two weeks of performances in May 2024.
What I enjoyed most about the show was not just the diverse and inclusive cast but that those that might not be as able-bodied as others were not relegated to the background as an extra or cast in a non-vocal role. Each cast member played to their strengths and everyone got a chance to shine. Cast members ranged from single-digit ages well into the double-digits!
Arms Wide Open offers a variety of theatre, dance, and music classes as well as arts and crafts classes. Along with Inspire, AWO also has their Rising Stars program which enriches the lives of those with special needs and disabilities with an annual musical performance. Previous productions include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, and Moana Jr.
Final performances for Newsies run evenings on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17 with two performances on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at Sonrise Church (8805 N. Magnolia) in Santee. Tickets are $30 and you can purchase them at the Arms Wide Open website at www.armswideopensd.com.
Do you have a similar program where you live? Tweet me @BeTheBuddha on X (formerly Twitter) and let me know!
