"Alexander" was also viewed by a large audience of 439 children, teachers and parent helpers from Baldy Mesa, Wrightwood, Helendale and Newberry elementary schools and once again delighted its audience.       
     "Alexander" is a delightful story of a young boy who is having a very bad day. The play unfolds against an abstract setting of vibrant colors depicting a quaint little town with a big yellow school bus with the feeling of animation.  Alexander wakes up from his dreams as cast members depict visual impressions of planes racing, cars zooming and the wind blowing around Alexander's bed. As Alexander's day unfolds, he learns to cope in a world that is oftentimes unkind.
     The play takes children through a geographical adventure -- introducing them to Australia with its Kangaroo, Koala, Snake and Wallaby characters. The play's musical tone keeps young

audiences thrilled and excited as they are educated and encouraged to understand that bad days happen. As children identify with Alexander, they are encouraged to share their feelings. 
     Many area teachers use stories like this one to teach children how to cope with emotional issues, which teaches them how to interact with each other in a more positive way. Also, educators say that introducing children to a cultural atmosphere at a young age will build an interest in the arts that will encourage their interests and creativity. 
     Rick Haffner, marketing director for CTC, said the company, which is based in Silicon Valley, has been doing road tours across 200 United States cities for the past 27 years. CTC also travels outside the United States, doing routed tours through Japan, Russia, New Guinea and New Zealand.
     CTC is looking forward to next season and hopes to have VVC on its route.

     More than 800 elementary school children visited Victor Valley College's Performing Arts Center to see the play "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," hosted by California Theatre Center (CTC), on April 12. 
     The 9:30 a.m. field trip was a huge success with the kids. The VVC PAC was nearly filled to capacity with 446 students, teachers and parent helpers attending the performance from Baldy Mesa, Park View and Mesquite Elementary Schools. The center's total occupancy is 493, which left Luis Elementary School from Yermo on a waiting list. 
     The CTC hosted two performances of "Alexander" on April 12 and one performance of The Frog Prince on Nov. 6. 
     The second performance of