“Practice random acts of kindness” has never rung so true as in The Story of Androcles and the Lion.  Of course, as the legend goes, kind Androcles removes a thorn from the Lion’s paw, and the Lion returns the favor by not eating Androcles in the Roman arena.  Barton and Bond have woven this story into a delightful children’s play that’s perfect for students.  Androcles and his nagging wife are mistakenly brought into the service of Caesar, though they are citizens of Thrace.  Caesar needs a musician’s help to ease his throbbing migraines, and Androcles is a perfect fit.  When Androcles sells his harp to be released from Caesar's service, he falls into disfavor and is condemned to fight in the arena.  There he meets his old friend, the Lion, in a joyous and hilarious reunion.