Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, which premiered on Jan. 6, 1963, took viewers to the far corners of the world and studied wild animals in their natural habitats. Wild Kingdom viewers witnessed exciting stories and learned about wildlife and conservation as hosts Marlin Perkins, Jim Fowler and Peter Gros faced the challenges of life in the wild. Now is the chance to get up close and personal with one of the pioneers of the groundbreaking nature program! The Ridgefield Playhouse and Ridgefield Academy Family Series presents Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros on Sunday, January 29 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with co-stars from the animal world including snakes, birds of prey and other exotic animals that will amaze the audience! Peter is an expert in animal affairs and will share his timeless tales in an interactive show guaranteed to thrill. A mix of video clips showing the adventures he has had filming wild animals, plus some blooper clips, will help share his story while introducing friendly exotic animals to the audience of all ages (recommended for 4 and up). Peter’s stories about dealing with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife filming will inspire and educate the whole family.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Wild Life Expert Peter Gros about his wildlife adventures and what families can expect from this exciting show.
I shared with Peter how I remember tuning into the original Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom show as a child growing up in the 1980's. Coincidentally, my father worked for Mutual of Omaha during those years so watching the show became something we did as a family on a fairly regular basis. Curious, I asked Peter how the stage show would be different from the TV show that many of us Generation X parents may remember. He explained how film footage taken in the wild years ago for the show will be projected on a large screen behind him while he introduces and entertains families in the audience with live animal co-stars on stage. Throughout the show, he will invite children to come join him on stage, creating create an interactive, hands-on learning experience. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
What will appeal most to kids about the show? Peter shares, “Kids are always interested in reptiles, so we will have those. Plus, they’ll hear stories about Birds of Prey like eagles and owls as well as various furry critters like the South American Honey Bear (believed to be the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh) and a very large African Porcupine.” He went on to assure that, “the animals are generally used for after-school programs so they are comfortable in a people environment.” In fact, in addition to performing arts centers like The Ridgefield Playhouse, Peter has had the animals accompany him to schools, universities, hospitals and senior centers all over the country.
What can families learn or take away from the show? Peter explains, “This is not a gloom and doom show about what’s happening to our planet. The thrust is to talk about how we can affect wildlife in a positive way.” Along with entertaining families with the live animals and creatures that join him on stage, Peter will share information with audiences about animals that are being re-introduced to the wild or species that are making a good comeback.
What can parents do to get their children interested in wildlife conservation? Peter suggests, “This generation is going through a nature deficit disorder. Try to get out of the house and away from the screens a bit. Put your two-year-old in a backpack and get out on the hiking trails!”
In your travels, what most sticks out in your mind? Peter easily rattled off a few examples such as the time he went scuba diving in Australia and had great white sharks swim around him while he was in a cage. And the time he swam with families of dolphins in the Bahamas as well as the time he went to Africa to film a one-hour special for Animal Planet about Cheetahs being released back into the wild. It was clear to me had we talked longer that I’d here many, many more adventures of this remarkable man whose career includes nearly 30 years of field experience with wildlife.
If you’d like to talk more with Peter Gros about his many wildlife adventures, VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available for this exciting show!
TICKETS
For tickets ($40 VIP Meet and Greet, $25 Adults, $20 Children, VIP Brunch $50 per person and includes a ticket to the 1pm show) call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.
***GIVEAWAY***
Macaroni Kid has a family 4-pack of tickets for the 1PM performance to give away to one lucky email newsletter subscriber!
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