Tale of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Now Being Spun at Sierra Madre Playhouse

Written by E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web” is the best-selling children’s book of all time. Its charm lies not only in its fanciful world where animal and people can talk with each other, but also in the noble qualities it portrays. – Courtesy Photo

By Fran Syverson

Bring your grandchildren, of course. But you will delight as much as they will in seeing “Charlotte’s Web,” albeit perhaps from a different perspective. After all, you probably read this timeless tale often to both them and their parents – your own kids. You remember how it goes. Wilbur, the runt pig of the new litter, is saved by 8-year-old Fern. On the farm, he is spurned by the animals. Finally he becomes best friends with Charlotte (what an unlikely pair!), who later saves him by spinning words – some pig, terrific, humble – into her web. Townsfolks are entranced with the “miracle” that keeps Wilbur from being sent off to the butcher.
All it takes is a bit of imagination for the humans onstage to become almost believable as the animals they represent – Wilbur, the runt pig, or Charlotte, the crafty spider. For Wilbur, a snout and ears do the trick, for the geese, fluttery feathery wings. Templeton is all gray with a very long tail befitting a rat. To convey the animals’ personas, Tanya Apuya designed these minimalistic costumes. And they have to function through fast-changes galore, as most actors play multiple roles.
The fast-moving action and humor will capture the audience, both the young and those not-so-much.
Children in the audience surely would love to romp on the stage with its faux-farm setting. It is rustic and woodsy. Brightly painted boards, slightly atilt and reaching to the roof, define the walls. Steps lead to the platform where Charlotte hangs out by her gigantic web. The scene easily transforms into the county fair where Wilbur hopes to win a blue ribbon. It is all designed by Keiko Moreno.
More than 3,300 young students will see “Charlotte’s Web” on weekday field trips from 39 schools of nine school districts. A pre-show workshop and a post-show discussion will enhance both their enjoyment and their educational experience. The lobby display arranged by Diane Siegel includes drawings, tiles with web designs, and little essays by students attending this neatly packaged theatrical program.
A Fiber Arts Party, a Farm-Fresh Egg Hunt, Wilbur’s Denim and Daisies Tea and Parade, and Fern’s Farm Animals are special Sunday attractions at the Playhouse. For dates and further information, go to SierraMadrePlayhouse.org. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animals to all shows.
All roles are double-cast, and many of the actors play multiple roles. The opening matinee found Tara Bopp as Charlotte and Sonny James Calvano as Wilbur in excellent performances of the leads. Multiple spots were well-handled by Megan Captaine, Ryland Dodge, Jackson Kendall, and Hayley Perkins. At other times, Andrew Carter will play Wilbur and Claudia Zielke will become Charlotte. Jennifer Kersey, Megan McIver, Peter Pasco, and Matt Severyn will play the multiples.
Director Gary Lamb has graced this modern fairy tale with poignant touches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life. Even in the darker moments where Wilbur and, later, Charlotte face up to the reality of death, the story shows how love, hope, and friendship can survive.
Written by E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web” is the best-selling children’s book of all time. Its charm lies not only in its fanciful world where animal and people can talk with each other, but also in the noble qualities it portrays. Joseph Robinette did the stage adaptation for the play.
Estelle Campbell, Christian Lebano, and Joanne McGee produced the show. Kelsey O’Keeffe is production stage manager. Kristin Bolinski is stage manager, assisted by Emily Hopfauf and Vicky Aguilar. Properties designer and manager is Joanne McGee. Contributing greatly to the special effects are Meghan Gray as lighting designer, and Christopher Moscatiello as sound designer.
The family-friendly performances run Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through April 17. Check the Playhouse website for special Sunday events mentioned above. For reservations or more information, phone (626) 355-4318, or visit the website for online ticketing. Admission is $22 general, $20 for seniors (65 and up), $15 for youths to age 21. The Sierre Madre Playhouse is at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Free parking is available nearby.

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