For most Conejo Valley families, while strolling the joint property of the Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes, their activities consist of fine dining, high-end shopping and attending a myriad of live theatre performances. If you were, however, to jump into a time capsule returning to 1964, you would find prize animals, including magnificent lions, tigers and giraffes, roaming the grounds. Children could ride on elephants and tortoises while others float around the lake in ducky boats. Camels, llamas and chimpanzees were also a part of this menagerie.
This was not a Disney movie set but the amazing Jungleland attraction that brought visitors far and wide to the Conejo Valley.
This May over 60 animals will return to the grounds as performers in Pacific Festival Ballet’s original production of “Noah’s Ark.” This production is the retelling of the well-known Biblical story about Noah and his family. Through dance, music and dramatic storytelling, Noah witnesses the mystery of animals gathering two by two, the Great Flood’s destruction of humanity, the shelter of the Ark and the beauty of the first rainbow…promising hope for a new tomorrow!
With dazzling sets and costumes setting the stage for a cast of 90 regional and professional dancers, the audience will be swept away by mixed theatrical elements including classical and contemporary dance, aerial arts, video montages and much more.
“I’ve been given the unique inspiration to bring this ancient saga to life as a theatrical production,” says Artistic Director Kim Maselli. “Our efforts are drawing community families together to experience this powerful theatrical event!”
So, on Saturday, May 18, as you stroll from your parked car to the theatre lobby, indulge your creative mind by catching glimpses of lions and tigers, perhaps this time, waiting to board Noah’s Ark!
Purchase tickets today by visiting the Bank of America Performing Arts Plaza box office or Ticketmaster.com.
Learn more at PacFestBallet.org.
