Philadelphia Zoo Visits Media Theatre Saturdays in December

The Philadelphia Zoo is bringing some interesting creatures to The Media Theatre Saturday afternoons through December 22. The Zoo On Wheels will meet with audience members of "Dr. Dolittle" prior to the 2 p.m. matinees in the theatre's Crystal Room.

The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline said, "'Dr. Dolittle' is the Broadway musical about the quirky veterinarian who learns to actually speak to animals of all shapes and sizes. It includes the song "Talk To The Animals," and now theatre patrons will actually have the opportunity to do just that when the Philadelphia Zoo comes to visit us during the run of the show."

Another important song in the show is "Save The Animals," Cline stated. "The lesson of the show is that all living creatures deserve to be respected and appreciated for what they are," he explained. "The Philadelphia Zoo emphasizes that as well and will have educational materials on hand when they visit. It's an interactive, engaging, and fun way to learn more about animals."

During the Zoo On Wheels' first visit to The Media Theatre the guests of honor were a 7-year-old parrot, a spunky young armadillo, a clingy skink, an exotic bullfrog, and a perky hedgehog. The audience for "Dr. Dolittle's" 2 p.m. matinee had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with the animals before the show.

The Zoo On Wheels will return to The Media Theatre on Saturdays, December 8, 15 and 22. Meeting the animals is free with "Dr. Dolittle" tickets.

"Dr. Dolittle" continues at The Media Theatre through the month of January. For show information and tickets, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. The Philadelphia Zoo is open year round. Visit www.philadelphiazoo.org for information.

Pictured: The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline with The Philadephia Zoo's Caitlyn Halligan, who travels with its Zoo On Wheels program, and a chatty 7-year-old parrot (who can imitate ducks).