Scales and Tails Utah

The curtain will close on the Casino Star Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season with a hiss, a squawk, and plenty of excitement, as the historic venue hosts an Exotic Bird and Reptile Show presented by Scales and Tails Utah on Monday, April 28, at 6 p.m.

Families throughout Central Utah are invited to enjoy a truly unforgettable evening filled with vibrant birds, slithery reptiles, and hands-on encounters that will spark curiosity in guests of all ages. The 90-minute event features two dynamic acts followed by a special meet-and-greet session — offering thrills, education, and entertainment all in one wild package.

A global flight of feathers

The evening kicks off with Birds of the World, where a colorful cast of feathered ambassadors takes center stage. Visitors will get an up-close look at a variety of birds, including the playful Scaly Breasted Lorikeet, the regal Umbrella Cockatoo, the musical Trumpeter Hornbill, and the dazzling Green Wing Macaw. Each bird comes with its own unique backstory, personality, and natural talents — a chance for both kids and adults to discover just how fascinating the avian world can be.

Creepy crawlies and cold-blooded coolness

Scales and Tails Utah

After the intermission, the stage transforms for Reptiles and Creepy Crawlies, which features an impressive lineup of 10 animals from the scaly side of the animal kingdom. Four “headline reptiles” are sure to steal the show: a 10-foot snake, a giant lizard over four feet long, a 30-40-pound tortoise, and even a juvenile crocodile. With safety as a top priority, these ground-dwelling ambassadors are presented by trained experts who share their knowledge and ensure a fun, secure environment.

Hands-on learning and photo opportunities

Once the stage show wraps, the experience continues with a 20-minute post-show meet-and-greet. Guests will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the animals — and maybe even touch them — all under expert supervision. It’s a rare opportunity for photos, up-close learning, and family memories that will last long after the curtain falls.

From backyard passion to statewide sensation

Scales and Tails Utah was founded in 2004 by Shane Richins, a lifelong animal enthusiast whose childhood fascination with snakes grew into a full-fledged educational entertainment business. Today, Shane and his wife Rindy manage a team of animal experts and more than 100 exotic birds and reptiles from their home base in Kearns. They travel extensively to bring these interactive shows to schools, libraries, and communities across the Intermountain West.

Scales and Tails Utah

A nod to the theater’s colorful past

Although it’s been decades since live animals appeared on the stage at the Casino Star, local lore recalls a train-delivered baby elephant that once paraded through Gunnison in the theatre’s early days. Whether fact or fiction, it adds a touch of nostalgia to the theatre’s legacy — and makes this modern menagerie a fitting tribute to the venue’s storied history.

Reserve your spot for the adventure

This one-night-only event is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are available now at www.casinostartheatre.com, by calling 435-979-9235, or by visiting the box office in person. Reserved premiere seating is $15, classic seating is $10, and children under 3 may attend for free when seated on a parent’s lap.

Celebrating 20 years of entertainment and preservation

Scales and Tails Utah

This event marks the grand finale of the Casino Star Theatre Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Season — a milestone that celebrates two decades of live music, performances, and cinematic experiences in one of Central Utah’s most beloved historic landmarks. The foundation’s ongoing mission to restore and preserve the 1912 theatre has not only safeguarded a piece of Gunnison’s cultural heritage but also turned it into a vibrant gathering space for the entire community.

A new season of concerts and live performances will launch this fall, and first-run movies will continue throughout the year.

Thanks to our supporters

This performance is made possible through the generous support of Roland and Julia Christenson, Miner Foundation, Central Utah Radiology, Ensign Engineering, Kevin Rasmussen Excavating, Redmond Minerals, Rocky Mountain Power, State Bank of Southern Utah, Dr. Richard Nay, Robert and Jeannette Andersen, Jim and Suzanne Sanders, and in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Don’t miss this wild night out

Whether you’re a reptile lover, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind family night out, this show promises something for everyone. Join in the fun, make some new (scaly or feathered) friends, and help the Casino Star Theatre finish its 20th season with a roar, a hiss, and a whole lot of heart.