Billed as “A show unlike any other,” “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” takes audiences on a breathtaking tour where they interact with amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures which roamed this earth 65 million years ago! That exciting, inviting description of the upcoming second presentation of Darke County Center for the Arts 2024-2025 Family Theatre Series season hardly needs any further exposition; however, this column will expand on the wonders that await those who attend “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville on Sunday, January 26; the show starts at 2 p.m..
So here is further information about “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” every tidbit of which is sure to inspire desire to see this not-to-be-missed show. The tour begins in pre-historic Australia, introducing audience members to at least 19 dinosaurs. Among those are the largest creatures ever to roam the earth, Titanosaurs, their huge size providing the inspiration fortheir being named after the ancient Greek gods, the Titans; a baby and adult Triceratops, so named because of the three sharp horns adorning its head; and of course, everyone’s favorite dinosaur, T. Rex. But you will also meet Plesiosaurs who were not dinosaurs but were among the largest sea creatures ever to exist and who sported long, sharp teeth, as well as huge insects with a two- to three-foot wingspan called Megneura. Each fascinating snippet of informationprovides another reason to want to attend this exciting presentation, and interact with extraordinarily realistic puppets and their skilled pupeeteers.
In addition to the stage show, a special V.I.P. Experience offering opportunity for up-close and personal on-stage experience with one of the puppets and its puppeteer is available. Each V.I.P. ticket-holder will be allowed on stage, one small group at a time, and meet a cast member and their puppet. The cast member will offer fascinating information about the puppet and how it works; photos may be taken of this interaction, or cast members will happily snap the pictures if asked. V.I.P. ticket-holders will also enjoy the show from special seating specifically designated for them.
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo is produced by Erth Visual & Physical Inc., which since its 1990 beginning in Australia has been providing audiences with eye-popping experiences, building an international reputation with their unique presentations. The company’s Artistic Director, Scott Wright, was trained as a dancer and choreographer, then became skilled in incorporating puppetry and aerial skills into his work.
Sharon Kerr, another founding member of Erth, is the Associate Director of the show. Sharon originally trained as a school teacher majoring in drama and improvisational movement; puppetry became a natural extension of her repertoire. Some of her performance highlights include aerial harness and flying work, including performing from atop the sails of the grand Sydney Opera House.
The other founding member of the company is designer Steve Howarth, who supervises a team of artists in the creation of the puppets, sets, props, costumes and other elements that constantly tour the globe; he oversees the daily production of giant, teeth-gnashing dinosaurs, and inflatable monsters that spring from traditional fine arts principles.
“Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” provides solid science which educates while entertaining audiences with a memorable andextraordinary spectacle that will live on in the memories of all in attendance. Admission to the 2 p.m. show costs just $5; admission to the pre-show V.I.P. Experience costs $30, and tickets must be purchased in advance. To get your tickets, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or on-line at www.darkecountyarts.org. If any remain by showtime, tickets to “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” will also be available at the door prior to the 2 p.m. show; auditorium doors open at 1:30 p.m.