National Geographic Explorer Lindsay Zanno
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)'s annual Sustainability Series returns for 2026 with a free presentation of National Geographic Live! - The Rise of T.rex on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30pm. Tyrannosaurus Rex is the most famous dinosaur out there, but few people know the true story of this species. This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of BASF.
Go on assignment with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Lindsay Zanno to dig sites in the remote deserts of the western U.S. to find out how T. rex evolved. Along the way, uncover the entire landscape—from plants to fish to mammals—where these memorable dinos reigned 66 million years ago.
In addition to the evening public event, Dr. Zanno will also give a presentation to school children at MPAC earlier in the day.
Tickets are available through the MPAC box office only. There is a two ticket limit. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey.
Dr. Lindsay Zanno is Head of Paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University. She is one of the world's leading experts on the evolution of theropod dinosaurs. Zanno has a soft spot for the American West, where she has discovered more than a dozen new species, including Siats, one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs on the continent, and Moros, North America's tiniest tyrannosaur.
"MPAC appreciates the support that BASF has provided for over a decade to help us bring scientists, photographers and other leading environmentalists into our community to discuss the Earth's fragile ecosystems and how we can help to create a better world," says Allison Larena, President and CEO, Mayo Performing Arts Center.
"Creating a more sustainable future requires curiosity, education, and action," said Molly Birman, Head of Communications for BASF Corporation in the U.S. "We are proud to support the Sustainability Series at MPAC that brings science to life for the community. By ensuring these events are open to the public, including a free session for 1,300 local students, we hope more young people can discover the power of science and innovation early on."
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
The 2025-2026 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,600 employees in North America and had sales of $18.1 billion in 2025.
At BASF, they create chemistry for a sustainable future. Their ambition: They want to be the preferred chemical company to enable their customers' green transformation. They combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 108,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of their customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Their portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; their standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States.
