'Walking with Dinosaurs' brings lifelike dinos to the suburbs

Dinosaurs are returning to the Chicago area, and this time they'll be stomping around the suburbs.

"Walking with Dinosaurs," a traveling stage show that features life-size replicas of the prehistoric reptiles, will hit the Allstate Arena in Rosemont later this month for eight performances.

The show, which originated in Australia, has thrilled audiences all over the country since it arrived in North America in 2007. To date, it has generated $136 million in American ticket sales.

"We've been to over 100 cities, and each year we basically do one a week," said Nellie Beavers, the show's associate tour manager. "Last time we were in Chicago, we were in the city proper. We look forward to a successful run in Rosemont this year."

"Walking with Dinosaurs" traces the evolution of dinosaurs, showing how they interacted with each other and how they changed over time. To accomplish this, a team of 50 engineers, artists, animatronic experts and others constructed giant replica dinosaurs, including the tyrannosaurus Rex, the stegosaurus and brachiosaurus, which stands 36 feet tall.

The dinosaurs lumber across the stage and roar. They search for food. They defend their babies against predators.

And, as the audience watches, the dinosaurs experience climactic and continental changes: oceans form, volcanoes erupt. It all leads up to the fateful event that causes the dinosaurs' extinction. Dinosaur fans will not be disappointed, Beavers said.

"The dinosaurs are incredibly lifelike," she said. "The whole show is quite an amazing feat. It takes a convoy of 22 trucks to bring the materials from city to city."

Beavers said that "Walking with Dinosaurs" is designed as a show for the whole family. She encouraged parents to bring their children - though the sight of giant lifelike dinosaurs roaming around might prove a bit scary for some.

"We like to say the show is good for everyone from age 3 to 93," Beavers said. "But parents have to judge based on their own kids. It could frighten some children, especially the younger ones."

Those interested in "Walking with Dinosaurs" should act fast; the show will be here from July 28 through Aug. 1 only.

"It's a short run, but those who go won't forget it," Beavers said.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Walking with Dinosaurs"</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. July 28-30; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. July 31; 1 and 5 p.m. Aug. 1</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont</p>

<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $19.50-$69.50; call (800) 745-3000 or visit <a href="http://ticketmaster.com" target="new">ticketmaster.com</a></p>

<p class="News"><b>Show info:</b> Go to <a href="http://dinosaurlive.com" target="new">dinosaurlive.com</a>.</p>