“Some Pig” Charms in UMD's Charlotte's Web
Sheryl Jensen
Duluth News Tribune
February 2, 2018
Author E.B. White once wrote, "Although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too — truth about the way people and animals feel and think and act."
In the University of Minnesota Duluth's magical and charming play adaptation (by Joseph Robinette) of White's Charlotte's Web, that truth shone through to the delighted opening night audience of children and adults Thursday.
White's beloved tale has been a favorite with readers since it was first published in 1952. It tells the life story of Wilbur, a rambunctious piglet, and his dear friends, Fern, the little girl who rescues him from the "chopping block," and Charlotte, the spider who makes him an unlikely superstar.
Recreating the world of White's classic, director Tom Isbell, the cast and production team also bring home the themes of valued friendships and heartbreaking separations.
Luke Harger captured all of "the runt of the litter" pig Wilbur's innocence and playfulness, with his leaping, cavorting and sliding around the stage. Amelia Barr's sweet, understated portrayal of Charlotte was a lovely contrast as she showed the spider to be the unlikely heroine of the show and, as Wilbur describes her, "a great friend and a great writer."
Many of the supporting cast play multiple roles. Ensemble standouts include Alyson Enderle and Brendan Finn as the frenzied Goose and Gander, Cally Stanich as the pessimistic sheep, and Ryan Richardson playing the snarky self-centered rat.
Curt Phillips's whimsical barnyard set, lit beautifully by Mark Harvey, provides just the right mix of a realistic farm ambiance with the "magic" of Charlotte's mammoth web as the central focus.
While Leah Benson-Devine's delightful animal costumes don't aim for realism, her selective choices for tails, ears, colors and fabrics are adorable representations of each barnyard creature.
Composer and musician Blake Thomas provided a subtle but effective underscore to the proceedings on guitar and banjo.
Charlotte's Web is one of those stories that appeals to children on one level and another to adults who get the subtler elements of comedy and pathos. This simple tale of friendship and salvation was well told in ways that touched the heart and elicited laughter and joy.
Charlotte's Web is one of those stories that appeals to children on one level and another to adults who get the subtler elements of comedy and pathos. This simple tale of friendship and salvation was well told in ways that touched the heart and elicited laughter and joy.
