The story begins with Professor Henslow, a famous scientist who has magic powers. We find him in his workshop, putting his latest creation, Darwin, together piece by piece. With a wave of Henslow’s magic wand, Darwin is brought to life.

Darwin is much more than a pet-he is a dinosaur, a wild and primitive creature. Though he learns to take his first steps from his creator, Darwin’s animal instincts eventually take over and he succumbs to his predatory nature.

Realizing that he is suddenly in danger, Professor Henslow cleverly responds by making Darwin a heart, thereby creating in Darwin compassion for other beings. Darwin is transformed and a lasting bond develops between creator and beast.

Professor Henslow encourages Darwin to explore life beyond the workshop and sends him off with fireflies to guide him through the night. Darwin encounters many different types of creatures-Verla, the gangly ostrich; Peche, the beautiful fish; and Brutus, the menacing red dinosaur to name a few. From each experience, He learns something new about the world around him.

In the end when Brutus threatens Professor Henslow, Darwin is forced to make a decision. A decision that will alter his life forever and, ultimately, lead him to discover the true meaning of love.

Creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp met while dancing in Twyla Tharp’s Broadway show Movin’ Out. An immediate connection was made as they discovered their mutual love for art, theater and technology. After coming across a product called EL wire, the lights turned on. EL wire is an electroluminescent wire that is powered by batteries. Unlike black light, the technology glows from within and requires no outside source of power. The possibilities seemed endless. Together with their wives Eleanor and Whitney they began to develop puppetry based creatures that quickly gained personality.

They then relocated from New York to Ian and Eleanor’s home in New Orleans to continue the creative process. It was here, in the Katrina ravaged city that the show began to take shape. The result, after years of engineering and development, is Darwin. Truly unique and visually dazzling, Darwin is an innovative theatrical experience. Crayon-like creatures light up the stage in a heart-rending tale of a dinosaur that discovers the true meaning of love. Originally created in partnership with The Detroit Music Hall, Darwin hasbeen performed across the country for enthusiastic audiences of all ages.