Series Runs the Gamut from Heaven to the Deep Blue Sea

A new five-part series over the next three months will range from the Soweto Gospel Choir to deep sea explorer Robert Ballard.

Jan 13, 2010 5:42 PM - By Joe Wojtas Day Staff Writer

New London - Sea Research Foundation, the National Geographic Society and the Garde Arts Center have teamed up to present a five-part series over the next three months that will range from a performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir to deep sea explorer Robert Ballard describing his most exciting discoveries.

Called "Faces of Our Planet" the series is designed to reveal "the mysteries and discoveries of the world's human, animal and geographic faces through film, live performance and multimedia presentations" by artists and renowned explorers.
Sea Research Foundation is the parent organization of the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and has a long relationship with the National Geographic Society which has sponsored many of Ballard's expeditions and featured them in its television specials. Ballard also heads the Institute for Exploration.

"The series also aligns directly with Sea Research's mission to inspire people to care for and protect our oceans. In providing audiences with inspiring views of the world, we hope these events will foster a deeper appreciation of our planet," said Stephen Coan, the president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation.

The Garde is not only known for presenting musical performances and theatrical productions but educational and cultural programming.

"We are proud to embark on this exhilarating new theatrical journey, integrating arts, technology, adventure and discovery," said Garde Executive Director Steve Sigel. "By combining each of our institutions' audiences with our unique means of engaging, informing, inspiring and entertaining them, we believe we can even more deeply impact our understanding and appreciation of our common connection with and responsibility for the many facets of the planet we share."

The schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 2: The Soweto Gospel Choir, the South African group which has won three Grammy awards. Tickets are $35 (orchestra), $42 (loge), $30 (front balcony), $25 (rear balcony).

• Feb. 20: "Penguin Party," in which families get to meet the aquarium's African penguins, participate in penguin-related games and activities and watch "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" on the Garde's giant movie screen. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children.

• March 19: "A Wild Point of View" featuring biologist, inventor and National Geographic filmmaker Greg Marshall whose Crittercam has provided new glimpses into the marine animal world.

• April 16: "Polar Obsession" with Arctic biologist and photographer Paul Nicklen, who will tell stories and show images of the predators that live at the ends of the Earth.

• May 14: "Adventures in Deep Sea Exploration" in which Ballard will shares his stories of discoveries and his vision of how technology can continue to advance the frontiers of exploration.

Tickets to the March 19, April 16 and May 14 events are $24 each with VIP tickets at $54, which includes admission to pre-show reception. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. except Feb. 20, which is at 3 p.m.
The premier series ticket is $190 and includes preferred seating at all five events, admission to pre-show VIP receptions for Greg Marshall, Paul Nicklen and Dr. Robert Ballard and special acknowledgement in the playbill for each event.

Tickets are available at the Garde, by phone at (860) 444-7373 ext. 1 and at www.gardearts.org. Special pricing is available for students, groups and Mystic Aquarium members. More information is available www.searesearch.org.