One of Childsplay’s most beloved productions returns
to Tempe Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Oct. 12
Seven years ago, Childsplay opened its 32nd season with Charlotte’s Web, welcoming the community into its new home at Tempe Center for the Arts. On September 7, Charlotte and Wilbur return to the stage as the theatre company opens its 38th season of theatre for young audiences and families.
Back by popular demand, Childsplay’s presents a brilliant version of E.B. White’s American classic. Meet Wilbur, an endearing piglet in grave danger of ending up as pork chops, and Charlotte, the wise and winsome spider who becomes his true friend. Families are sure to get caught up in Charlotte’s Web as we spin this timeless story onto the stage! ”I hope that the audience leaves the theatre reminded that they can have a huge impact on someone's life simply by being kind to them, or by providing comfort to them when they are feeling scared or alone,” says Director Anthony Runfola. “As we see in the friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur, these simple acts can leave a legacy that will outlive all of us.”
While the classic storyline will stay the same, families who saw Charlotte’s Web seven years ago can look forward to a fresh look of the beloved show. With a new set design from Bill Symington and new costume designs from Adriana Diaz, audiences will feel like they are truly on the farm E.B. White imagined 63 years ago.
“We looked at photos of E.B. White’s farm, as well as others in the northeast, as inspiration for the set. I really wanted the scenery and lighting to reflect the Earth, the seasons, and the passage of time,” says Runfola. “The New England area seems like such a magical place when you grow up in Arizona and I think we've captured some of that magic in the world we are putting on stage.”
Performances of Charlotte’s Web will be held at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, September 7 through October 12, 2014, Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale now at www.childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office (480) 350-2822 (ext. 0). The play is recommended for ages 5 and up.
The 4 p.m. performance on Sunday, September 7 is a special $12 Storybook Preview performance, sponsored by The Steele Foundation. Each family that attends this General Admission preview performance will receive a free book.
Charlotte’s Web features an all-star cast of Valley favorites: Debra K. Stevens (Charlotte), Kyle Sorrell (Wilbur), Katie McFadzen (Goose), Yolanda London (Sheep), Jon Gentry (Templeton), Kate Haas (Fern), Drew Dwaine (Avery) and Danny Karapetian (Homer/Uncle).
Scenic Design: William Symington
Costume Design: Adriana Diaz
Lighting Design: Tim Monson
Sound Design: Christopher Neumeyer
Stage Manager: Sarah Chanis
Charlotte’s Web was written by Joseph Robinette, based on the book by E.B. White. Childsplay’s production of Charlotte’s Web is sponsored by APS. For interviews or media appearances, please contact Samantha Johnstone at (480) 921-5703 or sjohnstone@childsplayaz.org. High resolution images are available for download from Childsplay’s website at www.childsplayaz.org/press.
About Childsplay:
Childsplay, Inc. is a nonprofit theatre company of professional, adult artists who perform for and teach young audiences and their families. The mission of Childsplay is "to create theatre so strikingly original in form, content or both, that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, the hallmarks of childhood which are keys to the future." For more information, visit www.childsplayaz.org.
Congratulations to Jessie! You are the winner of the family 4 pack of tickets to see Charlotte's Web! Please send me an email at juliew@macaronikid.com! Thank you
