Mystic Aquarium & Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Set to Raise the Curtain on New Collaboration 'Sea Lion TV'

MYSTIC AQUARIUM & EUGENE O'NEILL THEATER CENTER SET TO RAISE THE CURTAIN ON NEW
COLLABORATION “SEA LION TV”

Mystic, Conn. - Mystic Aquarium and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, two of region’s
most renowned cultural organizations, launched a partnership last fall aimed at fostering engagement
and bolstering conservation initiatives. Later this month the hard work of creator and director Lee
Overtree of the O’Neill and Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Care team comes to fruition as the curtain is
raised on a new engagingly educational Foxwoods Marine Theater show entitled “Sea Lion TV”.

"We are honored to be collaborating with the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center on this production at
Mystic Aquarium and in so many other ways,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Mystic
Aquarium. “This has been a learning process for all of us as we strive to respectfully balance
entertainment and engagement with the natural beauty and incredible intelligence of these precious
animals. Both of our organizations are teaching and learning institutions that value innovation and
creativity. We are thrilled with the results.”

With a play on our penchant for channel surfing, the new show highlights the animal’s natural history,
husbandry and natural behaviors as well as the remarkable relationship between California sea lions and
their trainers. With a fresh, witty script featuring parodies of popular television programming, new
lighting, theatrically trained staff and the ‘cast’ of always enjoyable California sea lions, “Sea Lion TV” is a
summer must-see.

“I'm incredibly excited to see the fruits of this partnership born between the O'Neill and Mystic
Aquarium. The Sea Lion show has transformed thanks to creator and director Lee Overtree and the very
talented staff at the Aquarium, and is now a world-class show. The O'Neill is all about taking risk,
innovating new forms, and supporting new artists. I'm delighted that we've accomplished all three with
this partnership - and further highlighted the national treasures that exist in Connecticut.” said Preston
Whiteway, Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.

As important ambassadors of their species, this entertainingly educational show helps Mystic Aquarium
deliver messages about much-needed conservation efforts in hopes of inspiring guests to help protect
Californian sea lions and the ocean planet.

Lee Overtree is co-founder and Artistic Director for the Story Pirates and is the co-host of the Story
Pirates podcast. Along with co-writer Hunter Bell, he received a Drama Desk nomination for
Outstanding Book of a Musical for Found at the Atlantic Theater Company. Lee has directed at
Williamstown Theater Festival, Center Theater Group, Philadelphia Theater Company, New York Stage &
Film, American Music Theater Project, Goodspeed, Kennedy Center, Geffen Playhouse, Berkshire
Theater Group, the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, and the Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles. He has taught at the Atlantic Acting School and currently serves on the faculty of the National
Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Center, where he teaches improvisation. Lee is an alumnus of
Northwestern University and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union.

“Sea Lion TV” also features video design by Dave Tennent, sound design by Elisheba Ittoop, costume
design by Rachel Dozier-Ezell, set consultation by Christopher and Justin Swader, and lighting
consultation by Oliver Wason. Staff and volunteers from both Mystic Aquarium and Eugene O’Neill
Theater Center dedicated countless hours to help ensure the show’s success as well.