TheaterFun’s latest musical “Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.” opens March 23

Audrina Elly Salinas

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Congratulations go out to eight-year-old El Toro Elementary School student Audrina Elly Salinas — also known as Drina or Shorty)  who won the Regional Free Throw Shooting Contest in Las Vegas and has advanced to the National Finals in Chicago, April 22.

Her adventure began at the Elks Lodge contest in Gilroy where she sank 19 out of 25.

She advanced to the district contest held in Santa Clara where she again made 19 out of 25.

From there she went to the state contest in Modesto where she made 43 out of 50. Then she went to the Regionals where she made 17 out of 25.

To give her some positive vibes, visit www.elks.org/hoopsshoot/greetings.cfm and leave a “Good luck” or “Atta girl” wishes. Everyone is invited to post on the link. All messages will be printed out and presented to the player as a keepsake at Chicago Nationals.

A new garden will open to the public. The South County Teaching and Demonstration Garden, 80 Highland Ave., San Martin, will officially open during a ceremony from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1, moving from their former spot at St. Louise Hospital.

Come explore their new “digs.” Get your hands dirty seeding tomatoes and up-potting plants to take home to your garden. Learn how to prep your garden for planting. Go home with a door prize of a native or drought-resistant plant. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Speaking of gardens, something new is blooming at Gilroy Gardens. The 2023 season will get off to a colorful start with an exciting, all-new event: the Fantastical Flowers Spring Celebration. This two-month event will feature brightly colored blossoms, larger-than-life silk sculptures, and fun floral-themed food and family activities throughout the park.

From opening day March 25 through May 29, the park’s majestic gardens will be transformed with blooms big and small in every color of the rainbow. The Fantastical Flowers Spring Celebration is included with regular park admission and is free to 2023 premium and value members. Discount tickets and memberships are available at www.gilroygardens.org.

It’s time to go back to Neverland. TheaterFun’s latest musical “Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.” opens March 23 for five performances at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse with 50 children in the cast.

“It’s a fun evening out. There’s lots of children of all ages. I have a five-year-old up there and they go to 15,” said Carol Romo, the show’s director. “When I suggested it to my group of kids, they all went ‘Yeah!’ It’s a magical show.”

Lila Vickerman plays “Wendy Darling” as a mature and respectful young lady.

“I find it quite easy to mimic her character because I am similar in nature,” she said. “To prepare for the role, I also watched the movies and listened to the music multiple times.”

What Vickerman gains from the theater experience is confidence. She finds it takes a lot of bravery to get up on stage and sing in front of a lot of people. She also enjoys singing, acting and dancing.

“When doing a show like this, you get to meet a lot of other like-minded kids and make new friends,” she said. “I encourage others to get involved because it boosts one’s self esteem and it’s a lot of fun.”

Show times and dates are 7 p.m. March 23 and 24, 1 and 6 p.m. March 25, and 2 p.m. March 26. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for 12 and younger. At the door and online at http://bit.ly/412vTfd.