Eat Your Heart Out, Spielberg
Aug 29th 2008
Suzanne EnochMy Life As A Plebe
Last week I – yes, me, the couch potato – walked with dinosaurs. In case you haven’t seen the commercials, the BBC has put together a tour called “Walking with Dinosaurs: The Live Experience”. Having a six-year-old nephew and a family that generally enjoys science stuff, we got tickets to see the opening performance in Southern California.
Now, I’ve been to museums, and seen the posed skeletons in the atriums and marveled at their size. I’ll say right now, it’s not the same. When the 52-foot long Brachiosaurus lumbered out onto the floor of the Honda Center arena and bellowed, I actually got goose bumps. The show was hosted by an actor posing as a paleontologist, and as interesting as his dialogue was, I think he was out there on the floor more for scale than for anything else.
Plants bloomed, continents drifted, volcanoes erupted, symphonic music and an Ornithocheirus soared, creatures evolved, and dinosaurs walked. 
At the end of the night my nephew bought the across-the-shoulder Paleontologist Bag and declared that he was now a scientist. I took his picture and he wouldn’t smile, because science is a serious business.
In case I haven’t said it clearly enough, the show was amazing. I highly recommend that you try to go if it’s in your area. Apparently they’re putting together more dinosaurs to make up three additional touring companies, so you may get the chance.
Do you like the dinosaurs? Could you name them all when you were a kid? Did you hold your breath when you first saw the T-Rex in Jurassic Park?
48 Comments »
48 Responses to “Eat Your Heart Out, Spielberg”
TinaLouiseF on 29 Aug 2008 at 12:19 am #
Sorry Suzanne, I have never been fascinated with dinosaurs.
I like horses much better.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 12:22 am #
I heart dinosaurs, Suzanne. Unfortunately, since I was a kid, the powers that be have discovered bunches more and renamed most of the ones I knew. T-Rex is about all that’s left.
Years ago, I took my then 5 yr old grandson to see a dinosaur exhibit at one of the Houston museums. Natural Science, I think. We walked into the exhibit. Like the show you saw, all the critters were life sized. Jason was pooped from walking around the zoo all afternoon. He sat down on one of the blocks they had lined the path with to keep people from wandering into the exhibit. He was sitting there, contemplating deep things, when the T-Rex behind him bent down and let out a roar. ROTFL!!! Jason jumped about 10 feet straight up in the air and 10 feet down the path to where good old Nana was strolling along. He’s 28 now but he still remembers that day vividly.
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 12:26 am #
That’s okay, TinaLouise. Dinos aren’t exactly cuddly. *g*
And ROFL, Margaret. Both about your grandson, and about bunches more dinosaurs. When I was a kid, I could name ALL of them. Of course there were only about 8 back then.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 12:27 am #
contd…
Jason is the kid who, on seeing Andrew Wyeth’s “Helga” series, loudly informed the whole art museum there were pictures of “nekkid” women in the next room. This was at the ever go elegant Houston Museum of Fine Art. You all know how loud a 5 year old can talk. He had everyone in stitches. And I’m sure Mr. Wyeth would have laughed the loudest if he’s been there.
I tried explaining the difference between “nekkid women” and nudes. To no avail. So, to me, the “Helga” series will always be that “nekkid” woman.
Which, BTW, I think you could see these days at the Brandywine River Museum down at Chadd’s Ford. Only 1 hour from me. Near Valley Forge.
I love history.
LisaK on 29 Aug 2008 at 2:44 am #
I like dinosaurs very much and read many books about them when I was a kid but I never remembered their names (well, yeah, Tyrannosaurus Rex, of course, but that’s it) – I do better with people’s names *g*.
I’ve also been to a museum near Munich a few years ago and I thought it was very interesting but I’m convinced that is nothing compared with acutally “living” dinosaurs like you described them. That must be amazing! Maybe we’ll have something similar here in a few years…
Judy F on 29 Aug 2008 at 4:44 am #
I have seen commercials for what you saw on tv I think its coming to my area in OCT. Looks so cool.
I loved the dinosaur movies. Went to see every one.
Buffie on 29 Aug 2008 at 6:21 am #
OMG, Suzanne, my boys would totally love that. They like anything that is big and roars
Do you know if the show is traveling around the country?
Kim on 29 Aug 2008 at 6:23 am #
Suzie–this looks so cool! Are they robotic dinosaurs??
I’ve never much been into dinosaurs but my kidlet was into the whole Jurassic Park craze. Once the trailer from one of the movies came through and we HAD to go see it. We’ve got lots of pictures of him standing in front of the trailer smiling like he’s having the time of his life:D
Kathy/Cookie on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:16 am #
I am the proud owner of a chunk of dino poo! Of COURSE I love dinosaurs!
I haven’t always been fascinated by them, my childhood taken up with the dichotomy of dressing up Barbies and throwing GI Joes off the roof.
BUT, they have taken a pretty important palce in my heart!
I got goosebumps READING the post. As soon as i heard about the Walking with Dinosaurs tour, I rushed to see if they were coming here. nuts.
they weren’t. Closest they came was Toronto in May. sigh.
SuzyQ on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:17 am #
Oh I love dinosaurs too! My dad works in construction and when I was a kid I remember him telling me that a job they were working on was halted because they came across some dinosaurs bones. The archaeologists came in and roped of the area to do the excavation.
This exhibit looks sooo cool! Can you actually walk with the dinos or get up close to them? My son would so love to see this. I’ll have to look in my area for it!
SuzyQ on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:18 am #
Oh, and BTW Jurassic Park is my favorite movie to watch cranked in surround sound!
SuzyQ on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:20 am #
OK, I had to see when this was coming to my area. Here’s the link for those who are interested in seeing when it will be near you:
http://www.dinosaurlive.com/
Kari on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:21 am #
I am fascinated by dinosaurs. Just that thought that something that large roamed the same planet we are living on today THAT many years ago is crazy! The dh and I are always watching the shows that are on Discovery about when dinos lived and roamed the Earth.
That show looks amazing!! I hope it comes near me. I’m sure my son would enjoy it.
Kathy/Cookie on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:24 am #
I took my nephew James to see Jurassic Park when he was 15. We ahhed and oohed appropriately. And laughed at the rear side mirror chase scene. “objects may appear closer…”
He was with me on my poo buying expedition: we took a trip with my mom to Parrsboro and Joggins to see fossils and walk on ancient sea floors.
He was also my companion on a rock walk tour at Five Islands – I have a picture of him standing in a extinct volcanic fissure.
Karen Hawkins on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:32 am #
Suzanne, what a terrific show! I’ve heard of it, but I didn’t understand exactly what it was! Now I GOTTA go.
I’ve always been fascinated by dinosaurs, mainly because I’m convinced that’s where the legend of the dragon came from and when I was a child, I was all about fair damsels fighting dragons to save the poor, broken, tried-valiently-but-couldn’t-do-it hero. As you can see, I had my own agenda.
One of the things I loved from Jurassic Park was that we don’t know what color dinosaurs really were. They COULD have been bright pink with orange polka dots. It’s fascinating how much we think we know but don’t!
Karen Rose on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:49 am #
Wow, Suzie, sounds like this is a fantastic show! My youngest used to LOVE dinos – I think she still does, as long as she can go to the show in her Hollister jeans, LOL. Thanks for telling us about this. I’m going to see when it’s coming to FL.
KarenH – I always thought dinos were the basis for dragons, too. It makes sense.
And Suzanne – how wonderful that this has spurred your nephew toward science!! As a former science teacher, ANY WAY you can get kids interested in science is cool. Your nephew was the one who liked bugs, too, right? So he’s always had a heart for science. Go him!
And I’ve said it before, I know – but you’re a fantastic aunt to take him places like this. When he grows up to become whatever wonderful thing he does, he’ll look back and credit you with challenging his mind
So go, Aunt Suzie!
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 8:07 am #
What a fabulous web site. Thanks, SuzyQ. I checked the tour dates and it’s going to be in Baltimore next spring. Hooray!
It was interesting to me to note that the show will be in State College, PA next spring, as well. The big cities were expected. Medium sized State College, home of Penn State & that other dinosaur, Joe Paterno, wasn’t.
It would be fun to make a family jaunt down to Baltimore with a bunch of the kids to see this. I know the 10-12 year old boys will love it.
Louisa Cornell on 29 Aug 2008 at 8:31 am #
Move over Auntie Mame, Auntie Suzanne is the Queen! I have to see if this is coming anywhere near me as my niece and two nephews would love it. I have always loved dinosaurs and used to know all of their names. I took the niece and nephews to see Jurassic Park when it first came out and we LOVED it. We came home talking about cloning dinosaurs and my brothers said “Don’t give her any ideas. Your Aunt Pam will end up with a T-Rex in her back yard!” The biggest lizard I ever owned was a six foot White-throat monitor lizard – cousin of the komodo dragon. My nephew named him BIG, because he was. He was definitely a conversation stopper when he lumbered into the room.
I think my favorite dinosaur was always the Brontosaurus. They just look sweet and gentle compared to so many of the others!
Susan Crandall on 29 Aug 2008 at 8:52 am #
My son was a dinosaur man when he was in grade school. He even got a ribbon in the science fair as a kindergartener for his dinosaur project! Now he’s all grown up, but I too have a nephew that might love this. This is the first I’ve ever heard of it. I’ll have to check the schedule. Taking my nephew would be a good excuse to go and see it myself!
cail on 29 Aug 2008 at 9:35 am #
I hate to be the barer of bad news, Margaret, but the spring dates were LAST spring. The dates go forward in time from winter to spring to summer to fall… which is a HUGE bummer since I just missed both the NY and the CT shows!!
I used to go to the Museum of Natural History in NYC every few months just to hang out with the dinosaurs. Granted I’d usually visit the big whales too, but the dinos were my MUST see.
I’m not much of a fan of dino movies- usually too scary. And Land Before Time used to make me sob like a baby.
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Aug 2008 at 9:45 am #
I’m not a dinosaur fan, but as a spectacle this sounds like something my son would love. I may even see if my brother wants to bring my niece and nephew down. Could be really cool!
And KarenH, I never thought about the fact that we don’t know their colors. What a cool idea–pink polka-dotted dinosaurs! Thanks for the heads up!
dbrown3400 on 29 Aug 2008 at 9:50 am #
My younger daughter Jessica was a dinosaur fanatic when she was a kid. She could spell all the names and liked the dino that could give T-Rex a good fight. Yes, there was one, I think, with a big horn on its nose. Ticeratops, maybe? She still prefers the Discovery Channel to others on TV.
SuzyQ on 29 Aug 2008 at 9:56 am #
cail – it will be at the IZOD center (next to Giant’s Stadium) in NJ on Oct 8-12.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:03 am #
Nooooo, Cail! Say it isn’t so! Not fair!
At first glance, it looked like the rest of this year was all out west. But there is a showing in October in NJ. Maybe a 3 hour drive north of here. But I wanted to go to Baltimore! Wah!
I loved all the Land Before Time movies. My daughter even named my Dalmatian Cera after Cera the Triceratop in the series. She was the Angelica Pickles of the Jurassic set. LOL
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:24 am #
It was totally amazing. Every time a dinosaur would appear the audience just burst into applause. The small ones (velociraptor) had a person/puppeteer inside them – you could see their legs, but after a minute you just forgot. The big ones have a long, narrow plank between their legs with a driver inside. But each dino had two additional puppeteers off stage doing the body and head movements.
Seeing the large brachiosaur at the end of the stage with its head almost touching the 2nd level balcony — that was awesome. Literally.
Karen Rose on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:33 am #
I checked and none of the shows are going to be near me. Bummer!
cail on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:41 am #
hm… that’s about two and a half hours from me… i wonder if it’s worth the trek.
Kathy/Cookie on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:46 am #
I bet it is worth it, Cail!
I saw them on tv during a Canada AM segment last year. and that clip blew me away!
look at this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_9GnP-lhaY
Suzanne, I am so jealus you got to see it!
I got to see a Cirque Du Soleil show when they came her last fall. wow!
it was Saltimbanco
Lisa H on 29 Aug 2008 at 10:59 am #
Suzanne,
My kids would love this as would I but no shows are coming nearby. I am glad you were able to enjoy it with your nephew.
My three year old has some little plastic dinos that he loves. We are going to Disney World in a couple of weeks and there is a section of Animal Kingdom devoted to Dinos. We will have to make do with that.
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 11:10 am #
If you’re interested, keep checking the http://www.dinosaurlive.com/ site — I’d been waiting for it to come to the West Coast for 6 months before they finally posted the tour dates for out here. And like I said, they’re going to be adding shows over the next year.
My nephew grabbed my sis’s arm every time that curtain opened, but I don’t think he blinked for the entire show, either. *g*
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 11:12 am #
Oh, Kathy, that’s one thing I’ve never done. I’d love to see l’Cirque de Soleil live.
I did see “Stomp” once a couple of years ago. That was very cool.
Janae on 29 Aug 2008 at 11:18 am #
I loved dinosaurs when I was kid. I remember even getting a Scholastic book about how to draw dinosaurs. I knew all the names.
Jurassic Park took my breath away. John Williams nailed the score.
I think we might need to take the kiddos to see the show when it’s at the Staples Center next month. I’m not sure how my daughter will like it, but I know my 8 yo son would love it.
TinaLouiseF on 29 Aug 2008 at 11:33 am #
I checked, but I think the closest it gets to Montana is Skaskatoon, SK. My 13 yr old niece would love to see it.
Has anyone had a sore throat the size of a nickle toward the back of the throat? This is my third day home from work. A couple of years ago I wouldn’t have stayed home, but now working with people 55-96 years old, I don’t want to give anyone what I have.
Claudia Dain on 29 Aug 2008 at 12:46 pm #
I’ve never been a dinosaur fan, but this looks amazing! I’m a sucker for any type of reenactment or museum or living history display. I hope it comes near me.
colinfirthfan on 29 Aug 2008 at 1:15 pm #
I never got into dinosaurs (or trucks) until my 8 year old started getting obsessed with them 3 years ago. Of course now he corrects me – If I say Brontosaurus he will say – No that’s a Bracheasaurus, Mama.
(very scornfully I might add). I say – whatever but what I really want to say is – Same difference!!!
Suzanne Walking with Dinosaurs show was in NorCal in December. Unfortunately we were on vacation the whole month.
Hopefully it will come back this side.
colinfirthfan on 29 Aug 2008 at 1:32 pm #
My son watches Jurassic Fight Club on the History channel. Fascinating stuff. I also recently recorded a show on evolution for him (again on the History channel). They were showing a bit where they actually found fossilized skin of a triceratop and how some dinosaurs had feathers. I haven’t seen all of it as yet (forgot to tell my son about the show as well).
Paula on 29 Aug 2008 at 2:16 pm #
I’m so jealous I will have to see if it is going to come to the UK. My 8 year old (he will be in 2 weeks!) would love it, not so sure about my 5 year old.
Suzie if your nephew loves dinosaurus he might like the books by an author called STEVE COLE. The series is called ASTROSAURUS. MY eldest loves the books. They are about dinosaurus who when seing the ‘big bang’ coming to earth moved up into space and live up there. Teggs and his crew help to save the dino world from terroists. They are good books.
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 3:48 pm #
Do you remember when naming all the dinosaurs meant saying “brontosaurus, stegosaurus, triceratops, diplodocus and tyrannosaurus rex”? Yeah, there were a couple of other ones, like allosaurus and pterosaurus, but those were the biggies. Now it takes about a day and a half just to list them all. How cool is that?
colinfirthfan on 29 Aug 2008 at 3:58 pm #
Thanks for the recommendation Paula. I have ordered the first two books for my son. I’m going to have to read them too. They sound funny.
Nicole Jordan on 29 Aug 2008 at 4:34 pm #
I loved JPark, but don’t like dina’s whatsoever! They make great villains, in my opinion, lol.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 4:54 pm #
I remember, Suzanne. So easy to remember and I never heard of a velociraptor till JR came out. And T-Rex was the king. Now, they’re saying there were dinos even more vicious. Yikes. Good thing man didn’t exist them. According to the science folks. This year. Who knows what they’ll find in the future. Paleontology is an ever changing science.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 4:57 pm #
I remember, Suzanne. So easy to remember and I never heard of a velociraptor till JP came out. And T-Rex was the king. Now, they’re saying there were dinos even more vicious. Yikes. Good thing man didn’t exist them. According to the science folks. This year. Who knows what they’ll find in the future. Paleontology is an ever changing science.
Margaret on 29 Aug 2008 at 4:59 pm #
Sorry about the double post, I tried to change JR to JP while it was being sent. Didn’t work so well, I see.
BTW, I like the fact that Zeus spell checks us these days. Was that always so & I just didn’t notice? Or is it something new in the software?
Paula on 29 Aug 2008 at 5:24 pm #
Coilinfirthfan my son loves (and so do I) a series of books by an author called Cressida Cowell, they are about a viking called Hiccup Horrendus Haddock III. They are really good and some of them are hysterical to read and have had my son in stitches. Some of the books are titled as follows: How To Train Your Dragon, How To Be A Pirate, How To Speak Dragonese (this book carries a translation of words from dragonese into english eg: buttock thunder = fart!!), How To Twist A Dragon’s Tale. They are aimed at a boys sense of humour. I love reading them to my son.
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Aug 2008 at 5:47 pm #
I just ordered one of the Cressida Cowell books, Paula — my sis is an elementary school teacher, and she loves finding new books, so she’ll be thrilled. And anything with buttock thunder will be a hit with my nephew. *g*
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Aug 2008 at 7:34 pm #
Claudia, it’s going to be in Raleigh during State Fair time. AND if you buy a ticket, you get a free pass to the state fair!
Kim on 29 Aug 2008 at 8:40 pm #
Okay, if there were dinosaurs with pink polka dots I WANT ONE! How cute. Do you think they litter train easily?
Krissy on 02 Sep 2008 at 10:05 pm #
We saw Walking With Dinasaurs when it came to St. Louis last year. We actually celebrated my daughter’s 13th birthday there. It was am incredible show.
As for liking dinasaurs does watching Land of the Lost count? ha ha. I can barely name all the dinos, but my daughter can name them.