Wolfpack Theatre puts spin on classic yarn

E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in the touching children’s classic, “Charlotte’s Web,” presented by the Wolfpack Theatre Co. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 11 and 12, at 6:33 p.m. in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School.

Wilbur may be the runt of the litter, but he’s a lively, lovable and rambunctious runt who captures the heart of the farmer’s daughter. When Wilbur and young Fern learn that his eventual fate will land him on the butcher block, they turn to the wise and kind-hearted spider, Charlotte, to hatch a plan. Charlotte, who proves to be a fine writer and a true friend, assures Wilbur she will save him. Charlotte hits on an idea to fool Farmer Zuckerman by spinning words in her web. Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig, but ensures his place on the farm forever.

In this stage version of “Charlotte’s Web” by Joseph Robinette, all the familiar characters are represented. Wilbur, the young pig willing to do anything to avoid the butcher; Fern, who can understand what animals say; Templeton, the insatiable rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Goose and Gander; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte.

This production of “Charlotte’s Web” will be presented by the Acting and Stage Production class at GHS.

“When I announced my pick to the class there were literal shouts for joy,” said director and class instructor Ivanna Fritz. “Kids reminisced about the story from their childhood and the message of love and friendship.”

Our favorite line from the play comes from Charlotte, ‘What’s a life anyway? You’re born, you live a little, then you die,’” Fritz said. “It may sound morbid at first glance, but for this class, we come away with the idea of what you do in that little time you live matters. How you treat others matters, what you give rather than receive matters and how you act matters.”

“This class is made up of students who have acted in 10-plus shows in the Wolfpack Theatre and others who will be making their acting debut. They have stepped up and made this production their own,” Fritz said. “We will create magic through our aerial silk webs, our words suddenly appearing, our audience interaction and our dedication to the story we tell.”

The acting company of “Charlotte’s Web” includes Lauren Kohler, Ashley Bruce, Sophie Desch, Isaac Schroeder, Kylee Snook, Jazzy Richey, Brooklynn Pitts, Sydney Fletcher, Victoria Kramer, Dresden Allred, McKenzie Moore, Kyrie Kensey, Ellie Haag, Mayleen Hoover and Sierra Riley.

Behind the scenes Brooklyn Lamers, Ammon Hill, Drew Fitzgerald, Grace Holm, Emily Cleveland, Taylor Brisendine, Kenna Vanorny, James Wheeler, Olivia Kalvig, Taylor Powell, Jaclyn Green, Zach Lapke, Kimberly Liles, Tylin Hartman and Teslyn Hartman make up the stage, sound and lighting crew.