Radiant!

Charlotte’s Web

Long before Harry Potter took over the bookshelves as the world’s favorite novels, author E.B. White wrote this beloved, heartwarming story about what it means to be a true friend. The 1952 classic that continues to be the favorite children’s book of all time (and has a place in the heart of every adult who’s familiar with it) is  currently a family-oriented theatrical event, now playing at the Greenhouse Theater Center. With its easy-going style, its recollections of a simpler time when rope swings, the smell of newly-baled hay and the thrill of a county fair filled a child’s life, this story of the unlikely bond between a runt pig and a gray barn spider speaks to the heart. White knew how to capture the heart and warm the soul within a simple sentence or two. This translates flawlessly to the stage in a “terrific, humble, absolutely radiant” new production, presented by the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago.

Directed by gifted Artistic Director Randy White, Joseph Robinette’s dramatic version proves true to the novel. The play features all the main characters and is brimming with gentle humor and positive family values. The script features an affable and welcoming narrator (the always wonderful Dakota Hughes) to introduce the story and transition the story from chapter to chapter. Many of Mr. White’s accomplished cast, like Hughes, demonstrate their skill and versatility by playing multiple roles with just a simple costume change.

Mr. White’s cast is led by some of Chicago’s finest actors, both  from past productions, as well as some excellent newcomers. Making his YPT debut, talented young Renzo Vicente is “Some Pig” playing Wilbur with tons of innocence, agility and youthful enthusiasm. Elin Joy Seiler (Debbie Wilkinson in Paramount’s BILLY ELLIOT, Baby June in Marriott’s GYPSY) is perfectly cast and absolutely “Terrific, Terrific, Terrific” as Fern, Wilbur’s protector and human friend. As a team, these two young actors beautifully complement each other and work in tandem, like a well-oiled tractor. Lovely and gifted actress Mary Margaret McCormack (THE MOUSETRAP at Citadel and NIGHT OF THE HUNTER at City Lit) is sweet, subtle and soulful portraying the spider as a kind, considerate and caring companion, who would do anything for her friend.

The rest of the seven-member cast all play multiple roles. In addition to portraying the Narrator, the voice of E.B. White, talented Dakota Hughes (DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, THE SECRET GARDEN at Theo Ubique) is simply magnificent and demonstrates her flexibility playing Uncle, the enormous, egotistical pig at the County Fair, Avery (Fern’s annoying brother) a nosy newspaper reporter and the very funny Gander. Kaylah Marie Crosby is delightful as the Goose. Making her YPT debut, Ms. Harrison is delightful as she joyfully lays each brood of eggs and bustles around the stage repeating everything three times. She also does a fine job as the pig entry Judge, the President of the County Fair (bringing to mind chef and television celebrity Carla Hall) and as a caring Mrs. Arable, Fern’s mother. 

Cameron Nalley, the lanky and agile Chicago thespian, whose resume includes several educational touring productions, has a field day as Templeton, the rat. He almost steals the show running around the stage and up and down the aisles with food scraps and words for Charlotte to spin into her web. He also plays Mr. Arable and Lurvy, the amiable and harried hired hand. As Homer Zuckerman, the hardworking and much-in-demand Matt Frye (COME FROM AWAY, BIG FISH at BoHo, THE FULL MONTY at Theo) is excellent. His versatility is demonstrated when playing other roles as well, like another Fair Judge and the doddering Old Sheep. But Frye truly commands the stage as Fern’s Uncle Homer.

Jacqueline Penrod’s rustic and very versatile Scenic Design (the cast nimbly transforms the Arable farm into Zuckerman’s farmyard, then into the County Fairgrounds in the blink of an eye) is enhanced by Bridget Williams’ warm, atmospheric lighting. Paired with a particularly evocative Sound Design by Kurt Ottinger, this show becomes an audio and visual treat. Add to this Cindy Moon’s imaginative and colorful costumes, which simply suggest the animal characters without hiding the actors in fur and feathers, and you have a farmyard filled with fun.

In this absolutely wonderful new production about “Some Pig” who becomes famous for the messages woven into a web by his spider friend, audiences will learn so many meaningful lessons about life. Theatergoers will experience a taste of farm life, recall simple nostalgia from a bygone era and, most importantly, be reminded of what it really means to be a true friend. Children will also leave this production with a new appreciation for E.B. White’s charming, heartrending novel after seeing their favorite characters brought to life by this talented cast and guided by one of Chicago’s most talented Directors of children’s theatre. This production is, indeed, Radiant! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 10-June 1 by Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to www.yptchi.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.