Director Wheeler's unique journey to TCT's 'The Best of Broadway'

When Christal Wheeler accepted her role as Director for TCT's upcoming "The Best of Broadway," it wasn't exactly according to plan. Christal's love for the arts began long before she moved from Bakersfield to a small California town in the northern Sierras called Susanville. It didn't take long for boredom to set in, so Christal began looking for an outlet that might fulfill that void.

Christal was always attracted to the arts, particularly music, and when she discovered Susanville's "The Best of Broadway", life did a 180 degree turn. For the next 13 years, Christal was enthralled with the stage. In the beginning, she was a cast member, but quickly moved on to children's director and then assistant director. She helped produce ten of Susanville's "Best of Broadway;" writing and consulting wherever needed.

"There were some trying times and times I wanted to give in." said Christal. "There were personalities who I clashed with constantly, but in the end the production and the look on the casts' faces as they took their bows was worth every tear, every frustration, and every fight."

Then, the past six years brought greater challenges (and changes) for Christal. She stepped away from that production to pursue another dream. Christal and her husband, Jason, had an opportunity to take over the local theater troupe. So, they started a production company. In this endeavor, they would go on to produce five plays in a one year time period.

But tragedy struck Christal's parents and the entire Wheeler family moved to Tehachapi in 2016 to help Christal's mom and dad. It wasn't easy leaving their dream behind, but both Christal and Jason have never regretted their decision.

As life seemed to settle in again, Christal looked for a way to rebuild what they once had. She knew she wanted to get back into the performing arts, trying to get a foot in the door. "But instead" Christal said, "'The Best of Broadway' brought me jumping in with both feet."

Christal gives us a little history on this amazing production. "Sacramento's Best of Broadway started 42 years ago as the brain child of Dave L. MacDonald, who ran it as a nonprofit, helping dance studios and Sacramento's art community acquire both grants and scholarships."

Then, when Julie Newton, who was in Sacramento's Best of Broadway, left the limelight to become a mom, she moved to the little town of Susanville where she and her talented daughter, Jessica also began looking for that creative outlet. "And, you guessed it," says Christal, "Julie Newton brought 'The Best of Broadway' to Susanville!"

"And now", says Christal, "TCT brings 'The Best of Broadway' to Tehachapi, with the hope that it will bring you as much joy as it has brought thousands of others. With only a week away to opening night, we are so proud of our cast and crew who have worked whole heartily in bringing you their own personal best, for our own 'Best of Broadway'. We think you're going to love it."

"The Best of Broadway" opens Friday, March 24, 2017, at the BeeKay Theater, 110 S. Green St, Tehachapi, Calif.

Adults $18 - Member pricing - $16. Special pre-sale pricing opening weekend (on line or at the outlets) $13. Tickets available online now at: http://www.tctonstage.com or at Tehachapi Furniture & Treasure Trove. Showtimes are Fridays: March 24, 31 and

April 7 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays: March 25, April 1 and 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Sundays:

April 2, and 9, 2017 at 2 p.m.