Experience MUTTNIK Live Under the Stars — Learn More on WGCU Today!
- eraddatz7
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Theatre Conspiracy’s farewell tour season continues with a performance that’s out of this world. Actor and playwright Bruce Ryan Costella brings his multi award-winning one-man show, MUTTNIK, to the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium for a special limited engagement November 7–9.
Before heading to the show, tune in to WGCU today at 1:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. to learn more about MUTTNIK, its creative journey, and the remarkable true story that inspired it. You can read more here: wgcu.org: Bruce Costella performs his one-man show “MUTTNIK” at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Performed beneath the night sky, MUTTNIK transforms the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium into a cosmic stage. Costella embodies Laika, the stray dog from Moscow who became the first living being to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957. Through humor, historical insight, and poignant storytelling, MUTTNIK explores humanity’s drive for discovery and the moral questions that accompany it. WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida
This special performance series also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium’s ongoing revitalization, helping sustain its mission of environmental education and exploration for future generations.
“At the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, we’re always looking for ways to inspire curiosity and connection — not only with our natural world, but with the universe beyond,” said Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. “Hosting MUTTNIK under the stars feels like a perfect extension of that mission. The story reminds us that space exploration isn’t just about technology — it’s about courage, compassion, and our shared desire to understand our place in the cosmos.
By blending art and science, storytelling and stargazing, this performance celebrates what makes Calusa unique — a place where curiosity meets compassion, and where community and creativity come together under one vast sky.”
IF YOU GO:
What: MUTTNIK — Written and performed by Bruce Ryan CostellaPresented by: Theatre Conspiracy at the Calusa Nature Center & PlanetariumWhere: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905When:
Friday, Nov. 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Available now at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/theatreconspiracy/7728Learn more: www.calusanature.org
Join WGCU today at 1:30 and 7 p.m. to hear more about MUTTNIK, then experience this
powerful story live under the stars next weekend.
SEE THE NEWS-PRESS FRONT PAGE STORY ON OUR RECOVERY HERE: https://www.news-press.com/story/news/environment/2025/10/03/nature-fights-back-calusas-wild-comeback-in-fort-myers-florida/85321033007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z117521p002050n11----c11----e009700v117521b0047xxd004765&gca-ft=244&gca-ds=sophi
COMING UP:
BEAUTIFICA — A 360° Cosmic Journey
Now showing in the dome | 7:00 PM Evenings
From the creators of Mesmerica, Beautifica is a breathtaking, immersive planetarium experience combining art, science, and emotion — a perfect balance to the adrenaline of Haunted Walk.
Tickets start at $24. Seating is limited.
Visit Us
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
www.calusanature.org | (239) 275-3435
With special thanks to Bellacino's, Sanibel Captiva Bank, Famous Dave's, Fort Myers Film Festival and anonymous donors, we could not do it without you!
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Founded in 1969, Calusa is a 105-acre environmental sanctuary featuring trails, wildlife exhibits, a butterfly garden, and the region’s only public planetarium. As a nonprofit organization, Calusa is dedicated to inspiring and educating through nature and science year-round.
Media Contact
Eric Raddatz
Executive Director
eraddatz@calusanature.org | (239) 275-3435
Sounds like an amazing event with Muttnik live under the stars great way to connect with nature and community! I’d love to AI expand picture from the event photos to see more of the night sky details!
Laika’s story is such a touching and thought-provoking part of space history, and seeing it brought to life under the stars at the planetarium feels incredibly meaningful. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come in exploring the cosmos while still reflecting on the ethics of discovery. For anyone curious about the technical side of space tech, tools like the Impedance Calculator help break down the engineering that made missions like Sputnik 2 possible.
This is very educational content and written well for a change. It’s nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! uncorp
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I think it's cool that Bruce Costella is bringing Laika's story to life at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium; I was just reading about that place the other day! Plants vs brainrots wiki does not have this event, haha, but I will definitely be checking WGCU for more info.