Mercedes of Mobile presents Carnival of the Animals, a Project Mouvement in Art production, benefitting Thomas Hospital’s Birth Center, Sat., Feb. 23 at 7:30 pm at the Saenger.  An evening of ballet, Broadway and opera, the event features performances from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Cats” and Saint-Saen’s “Carnival of the Animals”.  Guest artists include Mobile Opera’s Scott and Sarah Wright and Mobile Ballet’s Lauren Woods.  A pre-performance VIP party is set for 5:30 pm at the Saenger.

“Carnival of the Animals,” the main performance, was regarded by its composer Saint-Saëns as a fun composition that would not be published in his lifetime because it detracted from his image as a serious composer. However, after his death in 1921, “Carnival of the Animals” went on to become one of Saint-Saëns’ best-known works.

The audience will be enchanted with a colorful, exotic and whimsical interpretation as the PMIart dancers bring the characters of “Carnival of the Animals” to life. Artistic director Lori Bilbrey Vaghefi choreographed her vision of Saint Saëns’ humorous musical composition, set to Ogden Nash’s comical poetry. Narrated by local actor, Daniel Mainwaring, the ballet is complemented by a visual display of costume sketches and artistic renditions by Lauren Woods.

For tickets visit PMIart.com (not live yet) or call 610-8902.