GREENVILLE – Darke County Center for the Arts will present “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!” at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville on Sunday, January 26, the second presentation of their 2024-2025 Family Theatre Series of shows designed for audiences of all ages. An amazing collection of life-like dinosaurs and other creatures will be presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain while stimulating imaginations in diverse ways.
In addition to the stage show which begins at 2 p.m., a special “V.I.P. Experience” is being offered giving the opportunity for an up-close and personal on-stage experience with one of the dinosaur puppets and its puppeteer. The “V.I.P. Experience” begins at 1 p.m.; tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $30, and also include special up-close seating for the stage show. Tickets for the stage show alone are just $5.
According to DCCA Artistic Director David Warner, “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!” utilizes giant puppetry, stilt walkers, and more to achieve spectacular effects. “This production is consistently touring through North America, the U.K., and Australia, appearing in venues large and small, including the Sydney Opera House,” Mr. Warner stated. “The company is renowned for its stunning puppets, and are frequently commissioned for museums, zoo, and theatre productions around Australia,” he explained.
The show’s producer, Erth Visual & Physical, Inc., began in 1990, founded by multi-skilled dancer/choreographer Scott Wright, Sharon Kerr who originally trained as a school teacher majoring in drama before spending time as a contemporary improvisational dancer who expanded her skills into puppetry, and Steve Howarth, who designs most of the company’s productions and supervises a team of artists who create giant, teeth-gnashing dinosaurs and inflatable monsters. Specialist Puppet Designer Bryony Anderson has created constructions that have toured internationally and appeared in museums and festivals, while composer Phil Downing spent years performing music before being inspired to create unique musical instruments as well as soundtracks for theatrical productions. This unique creative team has formed a show that they say has been “65 million years in the making.”
Sponsors for DCCA’s Family Theatre Series include Fraternal Order of Eagles #2177, Park National Bank, Greenville Federal, Superior Implement and Supply Company, Inc., Greyson James Steyer Fund of the Darke County Foundation, Jordan Insurance Agency, Greenville Rotary Club, Wayne Health Care, Family Health, and Wes and Patti Jetter. The Family Theatre Series also receives funding from Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial, Ketrow Foundation, Lydia Schaurer Memorial, Jean Louise Thieme Children’s Theatre Fund of the Darke County Foundation, former Darke County Prosecutor Kelly Ormsby, and Ami McClurkin Fund of the Darke County Foundation; the series is also supported by DCCA memberships.
Additionally, the Ohio Arts Council helps fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
To obtain your tickets to the “V.I.P. Experience” or to “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!,” contact DCCA at [email protected] or by calling 937-547-0908. If any remain by showtime, tickets to “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live!” will also be sold at the Memorial Hall box office prior to the performance. Doors open for the 2 p.m. show at 1:30 p.m.
