The University of Minnesota Morris closes its 2022-2023 season with Joseph Robinette’s play adaptation of E.B. White’s famous book Charlotte’s Web. Follow many enchanting characters including Wilbur, a captivating young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who can understand what animals are saying; Templeton, a greedy rat with a soft spot in his heart; and Charlotte, the extraordinary spider with a talent for writing. Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins a campaign advertising Wilbur as an extraordinary pig by writing uplifting messages in her webs about him. This play tells an exciting story of friendship and family and is sure to entertain audiences with an evening of enchantment.
Directing the production is Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Siobhan Bremer. “True friends help each other out, especially in tough times. In Charlotte's Web, the character of Charlotte is very clever and creatively figures out a way to help Wilbur. This beautiful fantastical tale features the realistic theme about caring for others. My goal with this show is to be as sustainable as possible, having costumes designed based on clothing stock we already have and collecting items to make our set.”
Assistant Directing the production is Abby Koel.
Designing the set and props is Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts, Lucas Granholm. Lucas was heavily inspired by the concept of childish realism. He describes his overall approach to the set’s design: “The visual aspects of the set are based on classic storybook illustrations. Rich, bright colors to elevate the fun of the story while still being based in realism.”
Designing the costumes is UMN Morris senior, Ruby Wittmayer. “My designs for the show are inspired by a combination of my use of texture and color. The animals have layers and a mix of various fabrics to make them stand out with fantastical elements. Color story is very important to me and every character has a different color associated with them.”
Granholm is also the Sound Designer and Lighting Designer for the production. Assisting Granholm is Sound Designer Kieda Wagner and Assistant Lighting Designer Maya Kroska. Kroska is also the Sound Board Operator for the show while Eli Westacott is the Lighting Board Operator. The Run Crew includes Mikayli Marciunlionis and the Wardrobe Crew includes Rachel Parr and Re Steinberg. The Stage Manager is Bria Teasley and the House Manager is Michael Oberton.
In the cast of eight actors, Emily-Rose Severson leads as the terrific Wilbur. T Flesner plays the titular character of Charlotte along with Fern’s mom, Mrs. Arable, and the baby spiders. Lainie Deutsch will be our local pig whisperer Fern and a spectator at the fair. A.J Dally-Steele plays Templeton as well as Fern’s dad, Mr Arable, and farmhand Lurvy. Siri Coplin will play farmer Homer along with the farm’s Sheep and a Spectator. Matthew Gearou will be playing the male goose Gander, Carter the Reporter, and Fern’s brother Avery. Emily Courier will be playing the female goose Goose and the county fair judge. Abby Koel will be Narrating the production and also playing the President of the Fair and the prized pig Uncle.
This production of Charlotte’s Web will open to the general public in the Raymond J Lammers Proscenium Theatre, on April 14 at 7 p.m. with an additional performance on April 15 at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. General Admission is $5.
Please direct any questions or accommodations requests to thrpub@morris.umn.edu or call (320) 589-6274.