A cast of more than 35 students ages 7 to 17 from 12 school districts in Berks County perform ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ a musical retelling of the favorite classic story written by E.B. White.
Rainbow Theatre and the Miller Center for the Arts, at Reading Area Community College present the show July 18, 7 p.m., July 19, 7 p.m., and July 20, 3 p.m. at the Miller Center, 2nd and Penn streets, Reading.
The Children’s Literature Association named Charlotte’s Web ‘the best American children’s book of the past 200 years.’ Joseph Robinette adapted the book for the stage with music and lyrics by Charles Strouse.
All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be ‘a true friend and a good writer.’ Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the ‘miracle’ of her web in which she writes, ‘Some pig.’ It’s the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.
This is a beautiful, knowing play about friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice that gives the audience an evening of enchantment.
Now in its 23rd year, Rainbow Theatre is a performing group for students, who have an interest in performing and learning about theatre production. They have performed in Disney World, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and on a Royal Caribbean performance cruise to Bermuda. Rainbow Theatre also performs for local community, school, and corporate events. They have been praised for their talent, youthful energy, and community spirit.
Charlotte’s Web is being directed by Carol Toomey, with musical direction by Kay Wadsworth, choreography by Kim Feltenberger, set design by Lisa Sweitzer, technical assistance by Brett Buckwalter, and costume design and coordination by Marianne Maciejewski and Maureen Helms.
Tickets are available by calling the box office at 610-607-6270 or online at www.racc.edu/millercenter. For information about Charlotte’s Web, call 610-777-0900, or online at www.rainbowtheatrefor kids.com, or email rainbowact@aol.com.
