If you go
› What: “Charlotte’s Web”› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.› When: 7 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 20 and 27; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21 and 28; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 22 and 29› Admission: $10› For more information: 423-267-8534
The barnyard animals of the Terrific Cast include Charlie Clevenger as Wilbur, seated; Maya Scribner, Mercedes MacDonald, Sarah Davis, Kristin Lowery and Autumn Schulmeister, second row, from left; and Eli Abercrombie as Charlotte and Zachary Huseman as Templeton, top row, from left.An extraordinary spider, that weaves the words "some pig," "radiant" and "terrific" into her web, demonstrates the true spirit of farmyard friendship when E.B. White's timeless tale, "Charlotte's Web," opens Friday, Oct. 20, at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on the Mainstage.
The 1952 classic is transformed for the stage in an adaptation by playwright Joseph Robinette. The CTC's Youth Theatre production is directed by Scott Dunlap.
All the enchanting characters from the children's classic are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; and Charlotte, the remarkable spider who proves to be a true friend.
This play has been double-cast. Playing the principals are Annabelle Hill and Eli Abercrombie as Charlotte, Aiden DiChiacchi and Charlie Clevenger as Wilbur, and Erin Eames and Mia Medlin as Fern.
Also appearing are Spencer Boren, Jude Buchanan, Sarah Davis, Landon Greene, Aaron Griffeth, Jacob Griffeth, Landry Howard, Zachary Huseman, Kristin Lowery, Mercedes MacDonald, Tobias MacDonald, Jude Major, Josie Nash, Rori Pepper, Sarah Rad, Ellen Rich, Jack Rogers, Autumn Schulmeister, Zach Schulmeister, Maya Scribner, Emma Tuttle, Lydian Warren, Madeline Warren and Rachel Young.
"Charlotte's Web" illustrates a number of life lessons, especially what it really means to be a friend. The value of friendship is the showcase, but the reality of death is addressed as well. However, the play doesn't dwell upon it, and audiences will leave the theater smiling.