Oct. 3-6: CLC Theatre presents the classic tale of 'Charlotte's Web'
A delightful children's theatre production of “Charlotte's Web” will be presented by the College of Lake County Theatre department Oct. 3-6.
The play is based on E.B White's book, which was published over 60 years ago and remains one of the most beloved children's books of all time. The last time CLC produced “Charlotte's Web” in 2005 it set attendance records, with more than 4,000 people attending the show.
Public performances will be held at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Performances will be given especially for school groups on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 and 4 at 9:30 a.m. and Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. In response to popular demand, a second school show was added on Oct. 4. The play will be presented in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St.
The play tells the timeless tale of an unusual friendship that develops between Wilbur, a runty pig, and Charlotte, a heroic spider. When Wilbur starts to worry that he may be turned into “smoked bacon and ham,” Charlotte and the other barnyard animals must devise a plan to save him. Charlotte spins a special web to try and convince the farmers how “terrific” Wilbur really is. This stage adaptation remains true to White's original story and brings to life all of the book's favorite characters -- the young girl named Fern, Templeton the rat, Goose, Gander, Wilbur and Charlotte.
This children's theatre production is especially suited for elementary and middle school patrons and is adapted by Joseph Robinette from the best-selling children's novel of all time by E.B. White. The show runs about an hour without intermission. The cast includes both CLC students and children from the community.
“‘Charlotte's Web' is about growing up, the power of friendship and the inter-connectedness of all beings in this web we call life,” said director Susan A. Robinson. “And our very talented ensemble cast of CLC students and young people from the community is perfectly suited to demonstrate this power playing several different roles creating a truly magical place that everyone will recognize.”
“Charlotte's Web” cast: Rodrigo Arreola (Lake Bluff) as Wilbur; Erna Gramer (Wadsworth) as Mrs. Arable, Narrator, Carter, Judge; Ronald Stuart III (North Chicago) as Arable, Lurvy, Uncle and Narrator; Lillian Michaud (Long Grove) as Fern, Narrator and Spider; Max Lambert (Gurnee) as Avery, Judge and Spider; North Rory Homeward (Vernon Hills) as Homer, Sheep and Narrator; Sara Moss (Lincolnshire) as Charlotte; Maggie Fewkes (Lake Zurich) as Templeton; Caitlin Cone (Antioch) as Goose, Narrator, Spectator and President; Emily Elizabeth Burke (Lake Villa) as Gander, Narrator, Spectator and understudy for Wilbur.
Tickets: Regular $7 (includes a JLC $1 facility fee.) The Box Office is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. College theatre performances make excellent group outings, and groups of six or more people are eligible for discounted ticket prices. Call group sales at (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu for more information. To request sign language interpreting, please contact the Box Office two to three weeks in advance at (847) 543-2300.