By Tanner Tate
Charlotte’s Web, produced by Utah Children’s Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah is a show for kids, but adults can come along, too. I took a trip down memory lane as the story unfolded, reminiscing the day when I first heard the story of the hopeful young girl, Fern, “some pig,” and the spider in the door frame. E.B. White Charlotte’s Web was published in 1952. There have been two movie adaptations, first in 1973 and again in 2006. Today, it is one of the most memorable tales in literature; one that most schoolchildren are familiar with by the time they graduate elementary school.
Charlotte’s Web is the story of Wilbur the Pig (Larissa Anderson), the runt of the litter, who is saved from a quick demise as Fern (Emerson Mace) opts to care for him, instead of having him ‘taken care of’ by her father. Wilbur goes to live with Fern’s neighbors, the Zuckermans, and they begin to raise him. As the intentions of the Zuckermans’ are revealed to Wilbur, (they intend to enjoy a three course meal of Wilbur a-la carte,) he becomes frightened, and wonders how long he has to live. Enter Charlotte (Amanda Van Orden), a beautiful black spider living in the door frame of the barn where Wilbur resides. Charlotte overhears the Zuckermans, and decides to intervene, designing words in her web in an attempt to give a supernatural look to Wilbur, therefore keeping the Zuckermans from having him for dinner. Soon, Mr. Zuckerman (Nels Holmgren) creates an ultimatum: If Wilbur wins the blue ribbon at the state fair for Best Pig, they won’t have him for dinner. Charlotte, Wilbur, and a few other rowdy characters hatch a plan to get him the first prize ribbon, and as they arrive at the state fair, they put their plan into action, to save Wilbur’s life.
A host of goofy characters take the stage at the Utah Children’s Theatre, led by Anderson. Anderson portrays a bubbly and nervous Wilbur, complete with laughter and tears alike. Traveling with Wilbur, Charlotte, and Fern to the fair is the sniveling Templeton (Bryson Dumas), who, though selfish, turns out to be the saving grace of the show, despite being a textbook narcissist. Dumas is funny and lovable as Templeton, and easily became the crowd favorite on Saturday.
Van Orden is remarkable as Charlotte, bringing a stillness and maturity to the stage that is in stark contrast to the lively shenanigans of the rest of the characters. Her demeanor is elegant yet engaging to a younger audience. The mayhem onstage is created by a bunch of quirky characters, including a couple of geese making an attempt to corral their newly-hatched goslings, an elderly sheep continuously and accidentally making matters worse, a farmhand who simply can never believe his eyes, and a huge pig in the stall next door, who can’t help but talk about himself and nothing else.
Charlotte’s Web at Utah Children’s Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah is a goofy show that kids will love. Children will delight in being taken on an animated story through Wilbur’s life, and the friendships he creates. The theme is simple yet powerful, and said best by Charlotte herself. “You have been my friend and that in itself is a tremendous thing.”
Utah Children’s Theatre presents Charlotte’s Web
Utah Children’s Theatre 3605 State Street, South Salt Lake City, UT, 84115
January 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 7:00 PM, January 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM
Contact: 801-532-6000
Tickets: $16
Utah Children’s Theatre Facebook Page
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