Beloved children’s book brought to life on stage

The Haugh Performing Arts Center was packed on October 17 with children of all ages giggling in anticipation for the performance of “Charlotte’s Web.” 

From the opening curtain, six actors and actresses from Theater Works USA, who played all 12 characters, held the attention of their young audience.  The actors’ over the top gestures and voices made each character unique and left the audience laughing.

“Charlotte’s Web” written by E.B. White, is a tale of heroism, with an underlying theme about the power of friendship.  Charlotte A. Cavatica is a spider who befriends Wilber the pig.  She helps Wilber avoid becoming Farmer Zuckerman’s dinner by spinning words about Wilber in her web and leaving the family in awe of the amazing pig. 

Said 6-year-old Jack Keough of the ruthless rat, “my favorite character was Templeton. I liked how he always wanted to eat everything.”

Templeton found words for Charlotte to spin in her web in the neighbors’ trashcans. 

Mr. and Mrs. Goose were just one of the children’s favorite barn animals in the play.  They laughed at Mr. Goose’s wobble walk and stutter, and Mrs. Goose’s constant nagging and nasally voice.

Each character was introduced at the perfect time, from the silly Mr. and Mrs. Goose, to spastic farm hand Mr. Lurvy, who loved to get a taste of Wilber’s slop.

“Charlotte’s Web” is one of nine productions in the Saturday Series for Kids.

The next play in the series scheduled for November 7 at 1:30 or 3:30 p.m. is the “Jungle Book.” Tickets can be bought at the door for eight dollars.