Inspired by the enduring relevance of Aesop's classic fables, Alan Schmuckler and Michael Mahler chose three tales—"Androcles and the Lion," "The Ant and the Grasshopper," and "The Tortoise and the Hare"—stories that are more than 2,500 years old, to rediscover through the eyes of young people today.

How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back? places Aesop's three tales into the hands of several unlikely—and seemingly unalike—storytellers: six young students who have been sent to after-school detention. There, the reluctant group is confronted with a substitute teacher named Mr. Sopperstein, who encourages them to spend their hour-sentence together by using their imaginations and exploring one of the library's books—Aesop's Fables. Resistant at first, the six come around as they take on the Aesop's characters and imprint the stories with their own points of view.

Like the characters they portray, the students represent archetypes we can all relate to. Daisy is the artistic goth-girl, who plays the fiddle and dresses just as she pleases. Jackson is the jock, as accustomed to bullying as he is to winning. Savannah is the popular fashion plate of the class, equipped with every accessory and, of course, a mirror. There's Ari, the class clown who wants to get everyone's attention (especially Savannah's), but isn't all that funny. Every class has a teacher's pet, and in this group she's an overachieving girl named Riley. The shy newcomer to the school is Howie, who is more comfortable in the company of books than he is with his new schoolmates.

Daisy, Jackson, Savannah, Ari, Riley and Howie all take one look at the beginning and size up each other: neither detention nor these other students have anything to do with them. But as they hesitantly take on roles and change the fables to suit their own personalities, they learn a lot about themselves and each other, and come to realize that, despite their differences, they share a lot in common. And in re-enacting Aesop's tales, they rediscover their imaginations and learn about compassion, generosity and responsibility.

– Contributed by the CST Education Department

Aesop and His Fables
A brief look back at the origins of Aesop's classic stories, along with a summary of the three fables woven into the story of How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?

Activities for Fun
This file of CST Family's play program contains fun activities designed to help children engage in the story and themes of How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?

Delving Deeper
These selected internet sites will broaden your exploration of Aesop and the art of fable-telling on the worldwide web.

The Cast
See who's who among the actors, with their bios, headshots and resumes.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.

Notes from the Director Peter Flynn
Director Peter Flynn talks to his audience about the play's special meaning to him—and, he hopes, to them. This production marks Mr. Flynn's CST debut after directing on Broadway, off-Broadway and in regional theaters across the country.