Pig snouts, faux fur and overalls recently became staple items scattered throughout the dressing rooms of the Sullivan Performing Arts Center. Tiger Theatre Company’s newest production, “Charlotte’s Web” recreates the children’s classic we all remember from elementary school.
The play centers on the bond formed between Wilbur, a timid, worrisome pig, and Charlotte, a sympathetic and knowledgeable spider who form an unlikely bond. Charlotte uses her webs and writes messages to Wilbur about the humans’ plans for him, inevitably saving his life.
Throughout the eight-week development and revision of Charlotte’s Web, the cast reflected on their favorite moments in the show.
“My favorite part about the show is probably that there’s a lot of stuff going on in the house, like with the audience,” sophomore Ian Letterman said. “I always love when shows do that.”
The interactivity with the audience and cast dispersing from the stage into the crowded rows of the auditorium make Charlotte’s Web a unique production.
“My favorite part is when Charlotte gets the word ‘radiant’,” senior Julius Ricks. “Because she makes me run around and do some crazy stuff.”
The companionship shown by various animals in the play, including the main characters, is a highlight of performing “Charlotte’s Web”.
“My favorite part is the trio, with me- which is Edith Zuckerman, Justin- as Homer Zuckerman and Ian Letterman who’s playing Lurvey,” junior Kateleigh Crowson said. “We’re the comedic relief in the show and there’s a part where we chase Wilbur around the audience, it’s just really fun.”
Since the main cast of the play consists of animal characters, it’s no surprise that the costumes require a little creativity. Senior Courtlyn Aubrey, who plays Charlotte the spider, was especially surprised to see her costume.
“The first time I put the full costume on- the eyes, the arms, I was like ‘what is this?’ but I thought it was cool. The first time the kids reacted to me, it was so sweet.”
From freshman to senior, the development of this classic struck all involved as it becomes a reality.
“Watching the entire show evolve from first rehearsal to final product “it’s been incredible,” senior Xavier Briggs said. “Seeing the new members, especially the middle schoolers, grow and develop- that’s been probably the most memorable part of it all.”
Tiger Theatre Company’s extensive five hour practices have prepared the cast for a smooth performance. The length of these rehearsals, produced as a result of their previous productions schedule, further showcase the dedication of the cast and crew members.
“We have a student who’s new to tech and he fully makes the magic happen when he creates the web,” theater teacher Mikenzie Blase-Burns said, “I’m incredibly proud of Charlie King. This is his first show that he’s ever stage managed by himself, and I think he has just taken it by the reins.”
The TTC stage managers also played a major role in assisting Blase-Burns, ensuring the production success.
“Theatre spends more time at the school than just about anyone else, especially with what I do,” sophomore Charlie King said. “When it comes to tech and show week, I’m at the school for at least 12 hours a day.”
“Charlotte’s Web” will show on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased at ttcths.booktix.com or at the door.
“I’m proud of Julius Ricks and Courtlyn Aubrey, who play Wilbur and Charlotte, they created this bond on stage between two animals that never come in contact with each other,” Blase-Burns said. “I just hope it hits the audience’s hearts the way it hit mine.”
