Quote of the Day:  Old age is a special problem for me because I’ve never been able to shed the mental image I have of myself – a lad of about 19. E.B. White, author of the classic children’s book, Charlotte’s Web, Adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, Directed by Greg Banks, and performed by The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN, September 17 – October 27, 2013.

Photos by Dan Norman
Ethan Davenport (Wilbur), Gerald Drake (Homer Zuckerman), and Brant Miller (Lurvy)
Charlotte’s Web at The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN

Emma Thvedt as Fern

The amazing Joanna Harmon as Charlotte. 
She was acrobatic in her web spinning, stunning!
Like the gifted author, E.B. White, I also maintain my childlike sense of wonder, especially at the theatre. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the show, that I forget I’m there to view and review. Then, I get lost again, accepting that mesmerized moment will come back as I type my review. I don’t think I’m the only adult who laughed and giggle, sighed and cried along with the children as we watched the stunning performance of Charlotte’s Web at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Charlotte’s Web is one of the most loved stories of all time. The characters are delightful, and the story endearing. My favorites have always been those silly gooses who say everything three times. And, the show really was terrific, terrific, terrific. The actors take on the movements of the animals they portray and give them life. Joanna Harmon’s portrayal of Charlotte is breathtaking. She makes her entrance from above and descends the rafters of the barn. I gasped in awe, and Erin, who was sitting next to me said, “I want to play Charlotte.” A girl after my own heart. However, you can’t be afraid of heights to play Charlotte. She spent the entire show dangling from the rafters, weaving in and out, walking backwards up one way and down the next. She had acrobatic qualities, and must be exhausted by the end of each show.

Even when you know the story backwards and forwards, and wish for a different ending, you read it again anyway, or watch the movie, and in this case, see it come alive on stage because the story is so beautiful. It’s about friendship between unlikely creatures, and it’s about saving a life, only to lose it and have your heart broken, and then to learn that we go on living and loving and forming new relationships. 

Watching Charlotte’s Web come alive on stage is a memorable experience. As we walked out of the theatre, Erin exclaimed, “We’ve got to come here more often!” I agree. Treat the kid inside of you to this stunning performance.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite scenes or characters in “Charlotte’s Web?” What brings out the kid in you?