It’s ‘Dolittle’s’ creatures, live

The furred, the feathered and the finned -- yes, the real things -- are coming to the Orange County Performing Arts Center for the second show in the two-week run of the nationally touring musical “Dr. Dolittle.”

Presented under the auspices of “Kids’ Night on Broadway,” a national program designed to spark children’s interest in the performing arts, children will have an opportunity to “talk to the animals,” literally, in pre-show activities that include storytelling, dancing, puppet-making and visits with real critters in the lobby areas of the center.

Inspired by the newly adapted production of the animal-centric musical, starring Broadway veteran Tommy Tune, pre-show fare includes:

Tales by Asha’s Baba of Arts Teach, puppet- and mask-making led by Art Puppetry, animals from the Santa Ana Zoo, and a mobile tide pool exhibit, with baby sharks, anemones, sea stars and other saltwater denizens, from the Aquarium of the Pacific. Also, cast members from “Dr. Dolittle” will teach kids dance steps from the show.

On Wednesday only, one child age 12 and younger is admitted free with each regularly priced ticket. “Kids’ Night” was created by the New York-based League of American Theatres and Producers in 1996 and went national in 1997, with presenters creating their own activities for family-friendly shows.

The broader intent, league President Jed Bernstein said, is to expose families to theater-going. “It’s part of sending an overall message of accessibility,” he said. “This happens to be a night when it’s particularly attractive, but it can be attractive the other 364 days as well.”

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-- Lynne Heffley

“Kids’ Night on Broadway,” Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Pre-”Dr. Dolittle” activities, 6:30 p.m.; curtain, 8 p.m., Wednesday. $20 to $65; one child (12 and younger) free with each adult. (714) 556-2787; www.ocpac.org