The delightful play about a pig and a spider comes to the stage at Stained Glass Theatre for the third time. "Charlotte's Web" was last produced about five years ago.
The play is based on the novel by E.B. White and adapted for stage by Joseph Robinette.
It tells the story of loyalty and friendship that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Director Misty Matthews said that large cast children's shows are her favorite to direct. In this show, she has a cast of 30 children with two members in their 20s.
This is the story of Wilbur the pig, played by Josh Kofhal, and Charlotte the spider, played by Elizabeth Case. Wilbur is born the runt of his litter and is in danger of being slaughtered. Fern, played by Grace Mauzy, can understand what animals say to each other and befriends the piglet. He is sent to a farm but is still in danger of being slaughtered when a spider takes him under her web and leaves messages in her web about how good he is. This generates notoriety and publicity, and helped by a fat rat played by John Wolf, the pig is saved. He is even entered in the county fair.
When Wilbur realizes Charlotte is dying, he adopts her egg sac and is delighted when the young spiders are born. Only three stay, however, and Wilbur and the young spiders become friends. As more spiders are born, they keep also becoming friends, keeping Wilbur company.
Matthews said that in this production she is not using makeup on the characters, but is allowing the actors to bring the characters to life with costumes and facial expressions.
She is using a general set background and larger pieces of set to portray the farm and the fair. Matthews said they are also using video in this production to enhance the scenes along with live music.
Matthews said it is amazing to work with the youngsters. They memorize their lines and work on becoming the role they are playing, and all she has to do is act as cheerleader and guide.
Roger Martin is assistant director and works on set design, construction and painting. He also is secretary for Stained Glass and runs the box office.
"As part of every show, I try to bring out what the audience can learn. In this show we see that loyalty and friendship are so important to Charlotte and to Wilbur. This is the message for everyone."
At a glance
What: Stained Glass Theatre presents "Charlotte's Web"
Where: 830 E. High St., 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays
When: July 25-Aug. 10
Tickets: $9 with opening night $7