CharlottesWebCharlotte’s Web is a classic children’s novel. It was written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams. The book was published in October of 1952. Since it was first published the book has been a mainstay in schools and home’s across the nation. In 2000, Publishers Weekly named the book as the best-selling children’s paperback of all time, a truly amazing honor. The Children’s Literature Association named it, “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” another incredible title that speaks to the book’s combination of critical acclaim and mass popularity.

“Each year a few students are selected to choose the shows for the following semester. It is then given to our professor and the chair to decide. The vote for this show was unanimous because of it childlike wonder and sense of nostalgia,” said FSU spokesperson Christina Jones.

The story centers around a pig named Wilbur who is the runt of his litter. Wilbur lives on a farm and is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer. Luckily, Wilbur’s barnyard friend steps in to save his life. The little spider, Charlotte, writes messages in her web that convinces the farmer to leave the little pig alone. Wilbur goes on to compete in the county fair while Charlotte lays an egg sac full of her unborn young. Wilbur returns to the farm and helps care for the eggs until they hatch and Charlotte subsequently dies.

Iris McBride (Wilbur) is a sophomore at Fayetteville State University and a double major in both theatre, and music. Morgan Pierce (Fern) is a freshman at South View High School and “loves theatre more than anything else.” Tracyie Zapata-Kuhn (Charlotte) is a graduating senior at Fayetteville State University with a major in theatre. She has played lead roles in previous children’s shows, such as the rabbit in The Velveteen Rabbit, Laura in Rumplestiltskin, and the wife in The Fisherman and His Wife.

FSU presents Charlotte’s Web the play written by Joseph Robinette. Robinette worked with E.B. White to create a stage adaptation true to the spirit of the original story. There will be school performances on Feb. 16 and 17 at 9:15 a.m.and 10:45 a.m. There is also a public performance on February 18th at 10 A.M. This is a perfect opportunity to see the stage production as a family and to share the classic tale with friends and families of all ages. Tickets for the general public are $10. Tickets can be purchased through the FSU Box Office by calling 910.672.1724.

Charlotte’s Web does not mark the end of the season for FSU. April 6-8 will feature Passing Strange by Stew and Heidi Rodewald. This show combines comedy, drama and rock music. The musical takes place in Europe and focuses on a story of self-discovery for a young African American. The show is critically acclaimed and has received a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.

For years the FSU Theater program has brought high-quality shows to the community for very affordable prices while also developing the skills and talents of the students in the program. While looking for ways to engage in the lively artistic community thriving in Fayetteville, don’t forget to look at the FSU Season. It offers a wide variety of excellent shows and provides an opportunity to support the growing artists in the area.