Appearing just a few months after the first Earth Day and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, it is beloved not just for Seuss’ signature wordplay but also for bringing the ecology movement to children.Īlthough the Lorax is the title character, Greig was drawn to the book’s villain. Seuss’ book has been a favorite since its publication in 1971. “The brilliant thing about these books is they leave you lots of space,” says Greig, accentuating the positive. “Turning that into a full-length piece is daunting.” “I remember reading ‘Corduroy’ to my own children many times and I’ve clocked it at five minutes,” says Barry Kornhauser, who wrote the play for CTC. In fact, both shows now playing there, “Corduroy,” which runs through May 20, and “The Lorax,” currently in previews and opening this weekend, are in that tricky-to-adapt vein. Of course it’s possible to make a treasured tale such as “Ramona the Pest” into a play, or “Akeelah and the Bee.” But picture books like “Harold and the Purple Crayon” or “The Snowy Day” - which, not to put too fine a point on it, have no characters or plots - make for bigger challenges. How in heaven’s name am I going to do that?”Ĭertain books in Children’s Theatre Company history seem like naturals. Seuss’ “The Lorax” or the stage.įirst reaction: He jumped in the air and clicked his heels together. Playwright David Greig had two reactions when he was asked to adapt Dr.
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