Arden Theatre presents Charlotte’s Web

If you love Charlotte’s Web as a kid growing up you will love the way Arden Theatre made the book come to life. The cast is dynamic. From the use of acrobatic techniques of Charlotte you will be mesmerized. Down to the details that was used for each character this show is a must add to the season. So refreshing to be able to sit in an audience with your children. Even though they know how the story ends, they are still in anxious pursuit of seeing Wilbur and the cast succeed.

Children’s Theatre is Back with Charlotte’s Web

The panic has taken a lot from the theater world. From shows that had to be cancelled to those postpones. Charlotte’s Web is here and is making up for lost time. If you have ever been to one of the Children’s Theatre at Arden you know how energy is in every show. Opening night was the best thus far. From making sure that the kids of all ages were comfortable before and during the show. To the aftershow party that included Franklin’s Ice-cream-everyone had a great time.

Classic Story of Charlotte’s Web

There are many themes that resonate in Charlotte’s Web. From friendship to hope Charlotte’s Web brings people of all lifestyles and backgrounds together. From the first time I read Charlotte’s Web I loved everything about Wilbur. A too small pig that was considered a runt. He would have been killed it if it wasn’t for the adoration he received from Fern. Fern sees things the way I wished we all could things around us-in a positive light. So she takes a liking to Wilbur and encourages her dad to let her keep him.

He, John Arable is reluctant but he allows Wilbur to stay. He gets to be pretty big after some TLC and extra feedings so he is taken to the Uncles home where they will decide to slaughter him or not. However in the midst of all of this new discovery, the animals as well as a new friend, Charlotte helps him.

Charlotte brought to Life

I loved that Arden Theatre didn’t simply place the characters in animal costumes. Keeping them as human as possible in my opinion kept the story illuminated. However I will say all the ride home my kids kept talking about Templeton’s tail played by Matteo Scammell. But the uniqueness to keep a lot of the spider’s qualities in how spiders move with Charlotte (played by Case Girvin was absolute perfection. They way she used her skills to tumble and more into her scenes kept each member of the audience engaged.

Talk Back After The Show

I love when the artists aren’t afraid to reveal more of themselves. The audience was invited to ask questions about the show, the set, the actors/actresses’ lives and more. They all answered each with grace. One question that stuck with me is what the actors/actresses do outside of the show. Some of them were honest about having more than one job. I hope that a child or adult in the audience took that in. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to support a dream.

Nostalgia of Charlotte’s Web

Although the set was simple, (it did take months to make) having the elements be so close to the book transformed every patron back into the pages. I loved how well the energy of the actors/actresses meshed well together. Everyone supporting one another is how I imagined it really being in Charlotte’s Web. Thank you for taking a book I love so dear and bringing it life as I had my own children in the audience. They raved at all well done it was even to the point that my youngest had me re-read the book to her. Job well done.

Charlotte’s Web is in production until Sunday January 29th. With the Christmas break coming there are matinee shows available. Make sure you get your tickets. The arts and this show is a great gift for a family. It supports the efforts of these amazing artist and theatre.

Thank you to Arden Theatre, the staff and cast, as well as Bryan Buttler Media Productions for having me.