AU theatre brings Suess book to life at local school

They’ll be telling a story and hopefully making an environmental statement along the way Friday at Loachapoka Elementary School.

That’s when the Lee County school will host the Auburn University Theatre’s production of “The Lorax” based on the Dr. Seuss book by the same name.

The play is an arts-in-education collaboration between the Loachapoka 21st Century Community Learning Center and the AU Theatre.

There are about 16 theatre students, a stage manager and design tech students involved with the production, according to AU Associate Professor of Theatre Daydrie Hague.

While the AU production of “The Lorax” is based on a children’s book, there are some lessons people of any age can learn from in the story, Hague said.

“The Lorax” is a story about a character named the Once-ler who cuts down a great number of trees in a greedy business venture.

“The Lorax” is a cautionary tale about materialism, greed and our need to be responsible stewards of the planet,” said Hague. “It is important to teach these lessons to children early so that environmentally responsible practices become a habit.”

The AU Theatre first produced the show “The Lorax” last year and will take the production out on the road after it makes its debut at the Loachapoka After-School Program, according to Cindy Davino, Loachapoka 21st Century Community Learning Center director.