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Published January 13, 2016
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'Charlotte's Web' at Saint Mary's College a Pure Delight
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| By Sophie Braccini |
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| Saint Mary's College students rehearse "Charlotte's Web" with director Will Huddleston Photo Sophie Braccini |
The graceful Charlotte the spider, a cutesy Wilbur the pig, a crafty Templeton the rat, and an innocent little girl, Fern, will be waiting for you at the Saint Mary's College Lefevre Theatre the end of this month as part of the college's winter children's play program. The play, directed by Will Huddleston, is sure to delight children of all ages - and parents, too.
Everyone knows the story by E.B. White of friendship and salvation set on a farm in the '50s. The children's classic "Charlotte's Web" was adapted to the theater in 1972 and has been produced numerous times, including many times by Huddleston, the San Francisco-based director who produced "Pinocchio" last year for the college. "This is one the best American novels for young people," says Huddleston. "Most of the children have already read it and will have high expectations coming to the theater." As the students rehearsed under Huddleston's direction, it was obvious that the audience will not be disappointed.
Charlotte the spider is a graceful dancer who spins her web with lightness and grace, singing along as needed. Wilbur in his pen is certainly the cutest pig one ever saw, buttermilk bathed or not. Templeton looks like a quite dangerous and selfish rat, and Fern has a heart of gold. None of the performers involved in the show are drama students, but their youthful energy, well directed by Huddleston, produces a very fresh and spontaneous rendition of the play.
"This is such a rich piece of work for all ages," says Huddleston. "We're aware that the story concerns natural death, which is a big heavy message. It is an animal show that children love." Huddleston points out that E.B. White was a professional writer who expansively revised the 1958 edition of the American English writing style guide, "The Elements Of Style," with William Strunk. "He loved words," says Huddleston. "What he also says in 'Charlotte's Web' is that what makes you a great writer is your choice of words. Charlotte only writes four words, but it saves someone's life." The story encompasses many different universal issues including friendship and nature taking its course.
"I see this as a wonderful opportunity to expose children to live theater at a young age," adds Huddleston. "There is something very unique and real about sharing an emotion with someone on stage, as well as with the people around you. It is amplified. Something happens in the room that cannot be reproduced on a screen. It's unique and it is very old!"
Since 1991, the Saint Mary's College has been producing a children's play during its month-long January Term. The program is so popular that local schools book seats ahead of time and by the beginning of January, the morning shows were almost completely sold out, and the afternoon and evening shows were 50 percent sold. The play will run Jan. 26-29. Show times are at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the days. More information and reservations can be found at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/charlottes-web.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA