February CCA performances to include prehistoric aquarium show, ‘Spamalot,’ ‘The Sound of Music’

February events at the University of Maine Collins Center for the Arts will include a prehistoric aquarium show, several musical theatre productions, a high-energy tap dance and live music fusion group, and a wind and piano ensemble, all part of the 2018–19 season.

From the creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live, the new Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure will take the stage at 3 p.m. Feb. 2. Jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago — and maybe still live today. At the forefront of family entertainment, Erth shows use actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination to create a visual experience that connects young audiences to the science of paleontology.

The only “piano windtet” in the world, Ensemble 4.1, will perform in Minsky Recital Hall at 3 p.m. Feb. 3. In addition to masterpieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, the ensemble is dedicated to discovering rarely played compositions from the turn of the 19th to the 20th centuries. After many years, composers like Walter Gieseking, Theodor Verhey, Heinrich von Herzogenberg and David Stephen are again being performed for the public. The concert is a selection in the John I. and Elizabeth E. Patches Chamber Music Series; a reception for patrons and artists will follow.

Mnozil Brass will bring a new show to CCA at 8 p.m. Feb. 8. In “Cirque,” the group will transform the stage into a musical flea circus, traveling the globe on a mission and with the firm intention of bringing their Elysian style of music and laughter to the rest of the world.

The musical comedy “Spamalot,” based on the film classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 20. With music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, “Spamalot” tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

“The Greatest Pirate Story (N)ever Told!” will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Flung into the future by a musical-loving sea witch, a crew of misfit pirates-turned-actors must now perform the greatest epic ever seen on stage. But when their script is partially obscured by a tragic squid accident, the crew must turn to the audience to fill in the missing pieces of the plot. Cast members weave the audience suggestions into scenes, songs and more. The swashbuckling musical is never the same show twice.

Tap Dogs will return to the CCA stage with its trademark blend of live music and tap dance at 7 p.m. Feb 27. Part theatre, part dance, part rock concert and part construction site, the show is packed with high-energy dance, theatrical performance and music delivered by the cast and live musicians. Whether in the water, upside-down or jumping through scaffolding, Tap Dogs have been performing to the beat of their own drum for more than 20 years.

And finally, a new production of the classic “The Sound of Music” will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 28. The spirited, romantic and beloved story of Maria and the von Trapp family is inspired by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp, and features music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

To view the full season schedule, request a reasonable accommodation or purchase tickets, visit the CCA website.