
Digging Up Dessa is the newest production from Metro Theater Company. This comedy-drama-adventure is designed for audiences age 10 and up. In-person and virtual performances take place on select afternoons and evenings through November 7.
Dessa is the modern-day 12-year old with no shortage of mysteries to solve and fossils to find. Her days are filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered. But when her family of three unexpectedly becomes a family of two, this smart, funny young scientist struggles to overcome her grief and anger at all the changes in her world. Dessa's unlikely comfort comes from a remarkable new friend, one only she can see and hear - Mary Anning, the 19th century paleontologist who discovered a breakthrough dinosaur fossil at the age of 12 and became and pioneer in her field.
But why is her portrait not on the museum wall alongside those of her male counterparts? Dessa decides that she's going to fight to earn Mary the respect she deserves. With help from her new classmate and once-rival, Nilo, Dessa unearths secrets of the past and present - for Mary's legacy and her own way forward. Themes of the story include resilience, history, dealing with grief, empowerment for girls and STEAM.
Digging Up Dessa is an adventurous comedy-drama that runs 60 minutes in length and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. It's playing on select afternoons and evenings through November 7 at the Grandel Theatre. Virtual performances are available October 20-November 7.
In-person and virtual field trips for students are available Wednesdays through Fridays at 10 a.m. on select days.
For tickets and more information, visit metroplays.org
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!