Charlotte’s Web is a children’s story, but it has all the elements to make it a story that resonates with adults as well, including love, conflict and loyalty. It’s a sweet story about the unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider. Alberta Theatre Projects has taken this concept and created a lovely show that is geared for all ages. This is truly a family show.
The classic story tells of Wilbur the pig (Ellis Lalonde) who is born on John Arable (David Haysom)’s farm. John’s daughter Fern (Alice Wordsworth) takes to Wilbur and is horrified when she finds out he might be sold. The family decides to sell Wilbur to Uncle Zuckerman (Duval Lang), so that Fern can visit any time. Wilbur finds himself in a barn full of animals, including Sheep (Jamie Konchak), Lamb (Nikko Hinayo), the geese Gander (Haysom) and Goose (Norma Lewis) and Templeton the rat (Natascha Girgis). All the animals hint at the fact that Wilbur is a pig that will be raised for slaughter. But then he meets Charlotte (Julie Orton), who vows to save her friend. The story is narrated by chickens Dirk (Lang), Sophie (Lewis) and Gloria (Girgis). Alixandra Cowman plays the musician and announcer while Konchak and Lewis double as Martha Arable and Edith Zuckerman.
The key for Alberta Theatre Projects and the thing that sets this production apart from all the other family holiday shows, is that this one is interactive. The cast, especially Charlotte, asks the audience their opinions. So all the kids in the audience get to shout out answers. They also get to watch Wilbur run through the theatre among the seats, and Templeton asks for an audience member’s help on opening night. Add to this the fact that there is Mario Kart and other video games in the lobby area (cotton candy too!) and this show was built for my young daughter. She had a great time, and her favourite character was Wilbur.
The cast are all masters of storytelling. Director Rebecca Northan brings out the playfulness of the script adapted by Joseph Robinette. The play is peppered with shout outs to the adults in the audience, mostly from the chickens. Orton is so wise and playful as Charlotte, while Lalonde is cute and innocent without being grating. Girgis and Lang demonstrate their ability to create theatrical gold in their portrayal of their respective characters, giving them charm without going overboard. Hinayo brings a freshness to the stage, especially as Lamb, and Wordsworth brings a lightness to her role as Fern.
Terry Gunvoldahl’s set designs have not been on Calgary stages in a while and so it was nice to see his set on stage. It allows for places for Charlotte to hide and land on, and is easily moved around to change settings. Ralamy Kneeshaw’s costume designs bring all the animals to life, while Cassie Holmes’ lighting design adds to the theatricality of the production.
Alberta Theatre Projects brings the magic of theatre to life in Charlotte’s Web. It is truly a wonderful, charming production. It runs until December 29th. More information is available online.
Natascha Girgis, Ellis Lalonde, Norma Lewis and David Haysom in ‘Charlotte’s Web’ at Alberta Theatre Projects. Photo by Benjamin Laird. Set Design by Terry Gunvordahl. Costume Design by Ralamy Kneeshaw. Lighting Design by Cassie Holmes.