Muttnik at Theatre Conspiracy

MUTTNIK by Bruce Ryan Costella 

A fundraiser for the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, presented under the stars IN the planetarium! 

In November of 1957, Soviet scientists sent the first living thing into space; a stray dog. MUTTNIK is a “one dog play” that draws from historical events to create a story of purpose, life, and death told from the perspective of a Russian pup. Written and performed by Bruce Ryan Costella, MUTTNIK debuted at 2018 Orlando Fringe and enjoyed multiple sell-out performances and received an Orlando Fringe Critic’s Choice Award.

Writer and performer Bruce Ryan Costella has added a talkback after every performance of MUTTNIK! 

After a brief intermission, Bruce will offer an engaging talk on the history of the Soviet Space Dog program, providing additional context about Soviet history and the space race. The presentation will conclude with an open Q&A, so be sure to bring your questions about the Soviet space program, Laika—the original “Muttnik”—and the fascinating “why” behind it all.  

Tickets for this event are $40.

Established in 1970, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a part of the Southwest Florida community for over 50 years! Our mission, inspiring people to connect with nature, is accomplished by educating guests of all ages about our unique ecosystem and environmental issues concerning our area. We strive to provide holistic environmental education programs encompassing all areas including astronomy, ecology, zoology, and more. Our 105-acre property is home to rescue animals, a butterfly garden, raptor aviary, two nature trails, our area's only public large-dome planetarium theater, and much more!