Review: CHARLOTTE'S WEB Brings Down-Home Charm To a Classic Story

CHARLOTTE'S WEB is the stage adaptation of E.B. White's classic story. Adapted by Joseph Robinette, it was originally published as a play in 1983 and enjoyed a Broadway run in 1989 after the addition of musical numbers by Charles Strouse. ZACH Theatre's production directed by Nat Miller goes back to Robinette's original script, minus the broadway numbers, and infuses it with its own down-home charm.

This beloved story is brought to life on a whimsically rustic and functional set designed by Michael Krauss. It follows the life of Wilbur the Pig (Diego Rodriguez), the runt of a litter destined for a short life due to his small size by Mr. Arable (Allen Robertson). In the knick of time, Wilbur is saved by Mr. Arable's daughter, Fern (Mercy Bovik), who cares for the little piglet as a pet. Time goes on, no longer a runt and facing slaughter, Wilbur is sold to Mr. Zuckerman (Jerome Schoolar) after Fern pleads with her father to once again spare her friend's life. At Zuckerman's farm, Fern and Wilbur meet a host of colorful barnyard characters. There's Goose and Gander (Amanda Clifton and Allen Robertson), Sheep (Amber Quick), Templeton the Rat (Joseph Quintana), and of course Charlotte the Spider (Winnie Hsia). When barnyard gossip about Wilbur's fate leaves him in fear for his life again, Charlotte cleverly devises a scheme to halt the proceedings. When miraculous words like, "Some Pig," start appearing in the web over Wilbur's pen, visitors from all over start coming to see this "Radiant" new attraction. Not long after, Mr. Zuckerman decides to take Wilbur to the fair in hopes of winning the prize blue ribbon. You'll have to see the show to know how the story turns out.

In addition to their roles, nearly every actor in the show plays at least one instrument. With music by composer, musical director, and wearer of many hats (literally and figuratively), Allen Robertson, the musical aspect adds to this already rich production. You are treated to some delightful pre-show entertainment as you find your seat, courtesy of the actors as "The Zuckerman Family Band." This multi-talented group plays instruments ranging from the guitar to makeshift percussion with spoons. The show is part of ZACH Theatre's Families series, so there were plenty of little ones in the audience. I was enthused to see the youngest audience members held completely captive, fully engaged, and singing along to bluegrass covers of such favorites as, "You Are My Sunshine." Cast members Amber Quick, Allen Robertson, and Jerome Schoolar, made excellent hosts at this warm, interactive "Hootenanny," with plenty of charming banter with the audience and their cast mates.

The cast of actors, most of whom play multiple characters, did a remarkable job weaving this tale with a bushel full of energy and enthusiasm that breathed new life into an already well-known story. Mercy Bovik and Diego Rodriguez, the youngest cast members, were a sweet and tender duo that displayed commitment and an understanding of their roles as Fern and Wilbur beyond their years. Amber Quick as Mrs. Arable, Sheep, and the Fair President, easily tackled her three very different roles with effortless skill. Allen Robertson and Amanda Clifton were hilarious crowd favorites as Goose and Gander and took another funny turn as a pair of goofy fair spectators. Joseph Quintana as Templeton made you love him in spite of his selfish ways and left one to think there was hope for him after all. Another crowd favorite was Jerome Schoolar as self-absorbed, sunglass wearing, Uncle the Pig, Wilbur's rival for the blue ribbon at the state fair.

One favorite highlight of the show was watching the impossibly graceful aerialist, Winnie Hsia perform several highly skilled acrobatic routines as Charlotte, weaving her web mid-air on silks. I applaud the show's artistic team and their partners, Sky Candy, for this innovative choice. In addition to choreographing her own aerial routines, Ms. Hsia embodies the patient and warm persona of Charlotte. The interactions between her and Rodriguez's Wilbur are poignant as she tries to prepare her young friend for what lies ahead in both of their lives.

At the heart of this story are friendship and the bittersweet inevitability of change. Charlotte provides unconditional friendship to Wilbur at great personal sacrifice and is able to save him from an untimely end. As a result, Wilbur ensures Charlotte's legacy after she is gone by watching over her precious egg sack and in turn realizes that his friend is still with him through the lives of her children.

Director, cast, and crew deserve to be congratulated on producing a well-done family show that holds appeal for both children and parents. Not once during this production did I feel the all too common trend of oversimplifying or "talking down," to children was employed. Yes, it is a children's story, but it was presented to the audience with honesty and sincerity. For that, this show receives a recommendation to parents looking for a fun and meaningful activity to share with their children.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB plays at Zach Scott's Kleberg Stage (1421 W Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704), October 14th through December 3rd, 2016.

For tickets and more information, please visit ZACH Theatre's website.

Box Office: 512-476-0541 x1

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

Ages 3 and Up.

Be advised: Parking in the lot adjacent to the Kleberg will cost you $7, so make sure to have cash available.

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