Aquarium, National Geographic and Garde Launch New Faces of Our Planet Event Series

Beginning on February 2, 2010, audiences at the historic Garde Arts Center in New London will be transported around the world, to the ends of the Earth and into the ocean's depths to discover the "Faces of Our Planet." Created by the Mystic-based Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Society and the Garde, this new five-part series reveals the mysteries and discoveries of the world's human, animal and geographic faces through film, live performance and multimedia presentations.

The series builds on Sea Research's long-standing relationship with National Geographic. Terry Garcia, senior vice president of mission programs for National Geographic Society, has been a long-time member of Sea Research's Board of Trustees and was recently re-elected to a three-year term. In addition, National Geographic has supported Mystic Aquarium's "Challenge of the Deep" exhibits and co-sponsored Institute for Exploration President and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Robert Ballard's expeditions, many of which have been featured in National Geographic television specials.

"This series provides the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with National Geographic Society through a co-branding partnership with its National Geographic Live! speakers program," said Sea Research President and CEO Dr. Stephen M. Coan. "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."

"We are excited about extending National Geographic's relationship with Sea Research Foundation into the realm of events and embracing performing arts events that complement and deepen our shared mission," said Andy van Duym, director of National Geographic Live! "Together with the Garde Arts Center, we look forward to presenting National Geographic's top explorers to audiences in Connecticut. Patrons can anticipate dynamic events that feature fascinating people with truly captivating stories."

The "Faces of Our Planet" series was finally realized with the selection of the non-profit Garde Arts Center as both the venue and the regional performing arts partner. The nationally-recognized Garde Arts Center, with its restored 1,450-seat Moroccan-themed movie palace, has decades of success as the regional presenter and host of diverse artistic, cultural and educational programming in southeastern Connecticut.

"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 "Faces of Our Planet" series consists of the following events, all at the Garde Arts Center:

Soweto Gospel Choir - February 2, 7:30 p.m.
The series kicks off with a powerful performance by the acclaimed South African Soweto Gospel Choir, a 26-strong group of the best talents from Soweto-area churches. Their first album, "Voices of Heaven" hit No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart, and they have won three Grammy Awards, including "Best Movie Song" for "Down to Earth", heard in Disney/Pixar's Wall-E movie. Tickets: $35 (orchestra), $42 (loge), $30 (front balcony), $25 (rear balcony).

Penguin Party - February 20, 3 p.m.
Bring the family to party with African penguins from Mystic Aquarium, participate in penguin-related games and activities and enjoy Dreamworks' animated feature film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on the Garde's giant movie screen. The winner of the 2009 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards for "Favorite Animated Film", the movie tells the story of Central Park Zoo animals that end up in Madagascar, where adventures abound. Tickets: adults $12, children $6.

A Wild Point of View - March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Experience life through an animal's eyes with biologist, inventor and National Geographic filmmaker Greg Marshall. His remarkable Crittercam has revolutionized marine biology while producing breathtaking glimpses into the animal world. Marshall and his team have refined the device, making it smaller, lighter and more powerful, expanding its use to more than 30 marine species, from sperm whales to Emperor penguins. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

Polar Obsession - April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Arctic biologist and photographer Paul Nicklen shares his self-deprecating humor, terrifying and awe-inspiring stories and magnificent screen images that bring audiences face-to-face with the predators that live at the ends of the Earth. Nicklen will also discuss what is truly at stake in the ongoing debates over global warming. After the program, Nicklen will sign copies of his new book, Polar Obsession, which features 160 of his latest and best polar images and critical new insights into animal behavior and climate change. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

Adventures in Deep-Sea Exploration - May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Best known for his 1985 discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and Institute for Exploration President Dr. Robert Ballard is a veteran of more than 125 deep-sea expeditions. In this visually-gripping presentation, Dr. Ballard shares his stories of discoveries, his passion for the last great uncharted territory and his vision of how technology can continue to advance the frontiers of exploration. Dr. Ballard will sign copies of his book after the program. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

The Premier "Faces of Our Planet" 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. The "Faces of Our Planet" discount package provides up to a 28 percent discount off each ticket price with the purchase of three or more events.

Both are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office at 325 State St., New London, in person or by phone at (860) 444-7373 ext. 1. Single tickets are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office and online at www.gardearts.org. Special pricing is available for students, groups and Mystic Aquarium members.

For more information on these programs, visit www.searesearch.org.

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