Soar into space! Meet smart and exotic wild animals! Kids and adults alike will thrill when Apollo to the Moon and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros come to The Ridgefield Playhouse this month. Thursday, October 9, at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. will bring Theatre IV’s presentation of the nationally acclaimed drama of America's moon race. On Saturday, October 11, at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., a bevy of wild animals will amaze.
Apollo to the Moon tells the story of young astronomer Scott Gibson, who dreams of becoming an astronaut in the historic Apollo Space program. The one-man multimedia performance features music of the ‘50s and '60s, original downlink broadcasts from space, and more than 100 NASA photographs. It’s appropriate for grades 3-12. This production is supported by Barker Welfare Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, The Box of Rain Foundation, Fairfield Community Foundation, First Student, Inc., Helene Berger Foundation, Pitney Bowes, Praxair, The Leir Retreat Center, The Philip H. and Christine Lodewick Foundation, The Wadsworth Lewis Trust Fund and Union Savings Bank.
An expert in animal affairs, Peter Gros will share his travel experiences and timeless tales in an interactive show guaranteed to thrill. He will highlight his many adventures with a mix of video clips and hilarious bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals and telling inspirational stories of filming wildlife. This event is a must-see for the whole family and an entertaining way to create in children a respect for nature and the animal kingdom. Peter Gros has nearly 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife. He is a licensed Exhibition & Animal Educator for the U.S.D.A. and an active member of the American Zoo and Aquariums Association and Zoological Association of America. As a special treat for all the kids, Scooby Doo, mascot of South Salem Animal Hospital, will be in the lobby for photo ops. Fifty Coins (426 Main St., Ridgefield) is offering 10% off lunch or dinner the day of this event when tickets are presented. This event is partially underwritten by Ridgefield Academy and South Salem Animal Hospital/Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital with support from Ridgefield Library and is part of the Pepsi Children’s Series with media sponsor 98Q.