2021-2022 Season

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 exciting musical version of Charlotte’s Web brings a new dimension to E.B. White’s beloved classic. Wilbur, the pig, is saved from the chopping block as the runt of his litter, but awaits slaughter as he grows to adulthood. Only his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, the spider, can convince the rest of the world that he is no ordinary pig.

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

RolePerformers(s)
CharlotteAudrey Palacios
Fern ArableValerie Winch
WilburWilliam Richardson
TempletonCorban Adams
Avery ArableJR Riddle
GooseReagan Little
GanderJames Van Goethem
SheepSkyler Phoenix
LambMadelynn McBee
OwlCharlee Shaver
BatJaxyn Damasco
Spiders
JoyKinlee Adams
AraneaAzra Kearns
KellieTeagan Wawro
Adults
John ArableLuke Bader
Martha ArableHeather Walker
Homer ZuckermanMike Wawro
Edith ZuckermanKelly Swope
LurvyAlec Pursell
Adult EnsembleLogan Swope
Barbara Winch
Kimberly Schneider
Townfolk, Farm Animals, Photographer, Reporter, Judges, Official, Barker, Concessionaire, Uncle Pig, FairgoersJanella Beaver
Brenna Eagmin
Lilly Belle Lange
Justis Schneider
AJ Riddle

Production Team

RoleTeam Member(s)
DirectorKenny Grossman
Musical DirectorHeather Walker
ChoreographerHillary Zbyszinski
Stage ManagerMaria Cruz
Scenic DesignMichael Armstrong
Costume DesignAudrey Wawro
Lighting & Sound DesignAnthony Rozzen
Hair & Makeup DesignSavoy Antoinette
Properties DesignKenny Grossman
Vicki Grossman
Light OperatorSophia Mengel
Sound OperatorBrooklyn Martinez
Microphone OperatorHunter 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