Nothing lacking on small stages

In every category of human endeavor, there are levels of sophistication and talent.

In baseball, “the big show,” as the players call it, is the major leagues, where teams such as the Angels play. And while it is true that these days one may have a little difficulty distinguishing the Angels from triple-A, there is a reason why they are called the “majors.”

Baseball’s levels continue all the way down to tee ball, where 5-year-old boys and girls hit a ball off a pole and run to third base instead of first. I defy anyone to tell me that attending an Angels game is more fun than watching one’s child play tee ball.

In acting, the major leagues is appearing in New York in a play on Broadway. Then there is off-Broadway, off-off Broadway and more, all the way down to the elementary-school play. But as with baseball, I defy anyone to tell me that watching one’s child appear in a school play is any less enjoyable than watching a Broadway production.

One of the mistakes we make is believing that the most enjoyment in the arts can be found at the highest levels of production.

Later this year, Costa Mesa and Orange County will reach a new level of arts sophistication and achievement with the opening of the 2,000-seat Henry and Renee Segerstrom Concert Hall and the 500-seat Samueli Theater.

Once completed and united with the existing facilities, Orange County will have one of the nation’s premier arts venues.

The mistake, however, is believing that these will be the only ? or even the best ? places to watch live performances.

All over the area, from Orange Coast College to high schools to much smaller private theaters, there are worthy performances that are too often overlooked. One such performance is happening this weekend at the Lyceum Theater at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, where four performances of “Narnia” will take place.

The shows are sponsored by the Arts & Learning Conservatory.

Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. today and tomorrow. To purchase tickets, which are $7 each, call (714) 623-1907 or pick them up at the theater’s box office just prior to the performance.

Your children will love the play. You will see how this nonprofit organization has stepped in to offer a program that was once found in our public schools.

You will also see tomorrow’s talent.

Programs such as those offered by the Arts & Learning Conservatory, our high schools or any other organization that is not in the “major leagues,” need our support. Our children’s participation and appreciation of the arts is no less important than their mastering of algebra. For most kids, it is more important.