Charlotte’s Web: The Musical
The musical of E.B. White’s classic tale of a lifesaving friendship, performed Feb. 25–Mar. 13, 2022.
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Music & Lyrics by Charles Strouse
Based on the Book by E.B. White
About This Production
This show with music and lyrics by Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie) and book by award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette, won the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award and has been a huge favorite of theatres nationwide for decades.
Director’s Note
From the playbill:
Charlotte’s Web, the beloved children’s book, makes a fantastic musical for youth theatre. Besides all of the great characters, the friendship and the love in the story provide a wonderful chance to teach.
I love how E.B. White doesn’t pull any punches about death throughout the story. On the farm, death is presented as a cycle; it’s part of life. Wilbur exclaims “Oh, Charlotte, you have saved my life and yet, I’ve never done anything for you.” Charlotte replies, “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. After all, what’s life anyway? We’re born, we live a little, we die. By helping you, perhaps I was lifting up my life a trifle. Heaven knows, anyone’s life can stand a little of that.” Some might think this is all kind of morbid for a children’s show, but we think it’s a great teaching moment—and that’s youth theatre at its best.
I loved working with the cast, crew, designers, Maria, and the families on this show. It has been a blast. A special “Thank You” to the adults performing in this show. Their help, guidance, and commitment has been very appreciated. The last time we had parents in an actual show was back in 2016 (Spring Awakening).
I hope this show helps lift up your life a trifle. Enjoy.
Kenny
Cast
| Role | Performers(s) |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | Audrey Palacios |
| Fern Arable | Valerie Winch |
| Wilbur | William Richardson |
| Templeton | Corban Adams |
| Avery Arable | JR Riddle |
| Goose | Reagan Little |
| Gander | James Van Goethem |
| Sheep | Skyler Phoenix |
| Lamb | Madelynn McBee |
| Owl | Charlee Shaver |
| Bat | Jaxyn Damasco |
| Spiders | |
| Joy | Kinlee Adams |
| Aranea | Azra Kearns |
| Kellie | Teagan Wawro |
| Adults | |
| John Arable | Luke Bader |
| Martha Arable | Heather Walker |
| Homer Zuckerman | Mike Wawro |
| Edith Zuckerman | Kelly Swope |
| Lurvy | Alec Pursell |
| Adult Ensemble | Logan Swope |
| Barbara Winch | |
| Kimberly Schneider | |
| Townfolk, Farm Animals, Photographer, Reporter, Judges, Official, Barker, Concessionaire, Uncle Pig, Fairgoers | Janella Beaver |
| Brenna Eagmin | |
| Lilly Belle Lange | |
| Justis Schneider | |
| AJ Riddle |
Production Team
| Role | Team Member(s) |
|---|---|
| Director | Kenny Grossman |
| Musical Director | Heather Walker |
| Choreographer | Hillary Zbyszinski |
| Stage Manager | Maria Cruz |
| Scenic Design | Michael Armstrong |
| Costume Design | Audrey Wawro |
| Lighting & Sound Design | Anthony Rozzen |
| Hair & Makeup Design | Savoy Antoinette |
| Properties Design | Kenny Grossman |
| Vicki Grossman | |
| Light Operator | Sophia Mengel |
| Sound Operator | Brooklyn Martinez |
| Microphone Operator | Hunter Schneider |
Awards & Recognitions for This Production
2021-2022 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence
- Actor in a Supporting Role – Youth Theatre (Nominated): Alec Pursell
- Rising Star (Nominated): William Richardson
- Rising Star (Nominated): Valerie Winch
- Scenic Design – Youth Theatre (Nominated): Mike Armstrong