Augustana’s theater department is at it again with another upcoming performance that’s sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The play is called “Just a Dream: The Green Play,” based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, author of Jumanji and The Polar Express. The show is to be performed for over 900 kids in the Quad City area, but is sure to put a smile on your face too.
 
The show follows the story of  10-year-old Walter, played by Jonathan Meir, a litterbug, who through a series of dream sequences involving overfishing, deforestation, and pollution, realizes the error of his ways and the important role that everyone shares in protecting the environment.
 
Sophomore cast member Aubrey Lyon, says, “This show is pure fun and silliness, but it also has a good message about protecting the environment and doing your part to make the world a greener place.”The show is put together extremely quickly, and freshman cast member, Jonathan Meir, remarks, “It’s been so much fun the whole way. The show is pretty out there at times which in itself makes things pretty interesting, and our director, Jackie McCall, has been an absolute joy to work with.”
 
The show actually only has five cast members, which Aubrey Lyon notes can be difficult.
 
“I’ve never been in a show where I have to be so many different characters,” says Lyon. “Almost everyone has at least three different characters throughout the course of the show which is sometimes challenging but also a lot of fun to try out different acting techniques.”
Meir is particularly excited for the show to open, as he remarks, “This is my first performance at Augie so that’s exciting by itself, this is also going to be the very first main stage performance in the Brunner Theater.”
 
The show opens the morning of September 30th in Centennial Hall for local schools, and later has performances that are open to the public on October 1st and 2nd.  Even though it is intended for children, the cast ensures that the show will be fun for all ages.
 
As Lyon says, “if you want to see a bunch of college students acting like 10-year-olds, it’s sure to be a good time for everyone else as well.”