For some people, "herding cats" isn't that hard of a task. Gregory Popovich, who is a fourth-generation circus performer, developed his own production featuring trained animals — including that most recalcitrant of creatures, the cat. With the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, he has made it to the semi-finals of season 2 of "America's Got Talent" and to the Planet Hollywood Resort/Casino in Las Vegas, where the show is going into its sixth season.

Oh, and he — and his menagerie — are coming to the Garde Arts Center for a performance on Friday.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater promises cats and dogs, geese and even a Shetland pony. The Russian-born Popovich, who was part of the Moscow Circus School and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, has said he builds tricks around what the animals naturally like to do.

Human performers are part of the gig, too, with jugglers and acrobatic acts.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $25-$35; (860) 444-7373.