Review of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Old age is a special problem for me because I've never been able to shed the mental image I have of myself - a lad of about 19. E.B. White, author of the classic children's book, Charlotte's Web, Adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, Directed by Greg Banks, and performed by The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN, September 17 - October 27, 2013.

Photos by Dan Norman

Ethan Davenport (Wilbur), Gerald Drake (Homer Zuckerman), and Brant Miller (Lurvy)

Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN

Emma Thvedt as Fern

The amazing Joanna Harmon as Charlotte. 

She was acrobatic in her web spinning, stunning!

Like the gifted author, E.B. White, I also maintain my childlike sense of wonder, especially at the theatre. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the show, that I forget I'm there to view and review. Then, I get lost again, accepting that mesmerized moment will come back as I type my review. I don't think I'm the only adult who laughed and giggle, sighed and cried along with the children as we watched the stunning performance of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Charlotte's Web is one of the most loved stories of all time. The characters are delightful, and the story endearing. My favorites have always been those silly gooses who say everything three times. And, the show really was terrific, terrific, terrific. The actors take on the movements of the animals they portray and give them life. Joanna Harmon's portrayal of Charlotte is breathtaking. She makes her entrance from above and descends the rafters of the barn. I gasped in awe, and Erin, who was sitting next to me said, "I want to play Charlotte." A girl after my own heart. However, you can't be afraid of heights to play Charlotte. She spent the entire show dangling from the rafters, weaving in and out, walking backwards up one way and down the next. She had acrobatic qualities, and must be exhausted by the end of each show.

Even when you know the story backwards and forwards, and wish for a different ending, you read it again anyway, or watch the movie, and in this case, see it come alive on stage because the story is so beautiful. It's about friendship between unlikely creatures, and it's about saving a life, only to lose it and have your heart broken, and then to learn that we go on living and loving and forming new relationships. 

Watching Charlotte's Web come alive on stage is a memorable experience. As we walked out of the theatre, Erin exclaimed, "We've got to come here more often!" I agree. Treat the kid inside of you to this stunning performance.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite scenes or characters in "Charlotte's Web?" What brings out the kid in you?

Some Pig Winners!

Quote of the Day:  
“Templeton was down there now, rummaging around. When he returned to the barn, he carried in his mouth an advertisement he had torn from a crumpled magazine. 
How's this?" he asked, showing the ad to Charlotte.
It says 'Crunchy.' 'Crunchy' would be a good word to write in your web."
Just the wrong idea," replied Charlotte. "Couldn't be worse. We don't want Zuckerman to think Wilbur is crunchy. He might start thinking about crisp, crunchy bacon and tasty ham. That would put ideas into his head. We must advertise Wilbur's noble qualities, not his tastiness.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman, featuring Emma Thvedt as Fern

The winners for a pair of tickets each to a performance of Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis are:

Jodie Tweed Norquist

Jill Neumann

and

AnnaMaija Lee

Thank you for participating and congratulations!

I hope you enjoy the show!

Remember that the Children's Theatre Company offers a select amount of $10 tickets for shows. You need to call, or stop in to the box office, on Sundays, starting at noon. The tickets are available for the upcoming week. You can also visit their website (link above) or call, 612-874-0400. The show runs September 17 - October 27. That means, their first performance is tonight. Break a leg! And, Save the pig!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever saved anyone or anything?

Giveaway Tickets to "Charlotte's Web" at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  
“But we have received a sign, Edith - a mysterious sign. A miracle has happened on this farm... in the middle of the web there were the words 'Some Pig'... we have no ordinary pig." 

"Well", said Mrs. Zuckerman, "it seems to me you're a little off. It seems to me we have no ordinary spider.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

“It is deeply satisfying to win a prize in front of a lot of people.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman featuring Emma Thvedt

The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN is presenting Charlotte's Web September 17 - October 27, 2013. They have graciously offered up THREE pairs of tickets for me to give away for performances on either Wednesday, Sept. 25 or Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:00 pm. If you win, you can claim your tickets at the box office. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment on this blog, or on facebook. Include your email address so I can let you know that you won. I will need to give your name and contact info to the Children's Theatre box office. If you are unable to leave a comment, you can also send me an email, subject: Some Pig, mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com. Contest closes at noon on Sunday, September 15, 2013. I'll post the winners next Monday, September 16, 2013.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you have a special memory of reading or watching "Charlotte's Web," a favorite character or scene? What would you write in your web about a friend?

Charlotte's Web to Kick Off Season at Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman featuring Emma Thvedt as Fern

Above is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite stories. I'm so excited that The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis is bringing Charlotte's Web to their stage, Sept. 17-Oct. 27, 2013.

Charlotte’s Web

By Joseph Robinette

Based on the Book by E.B. White

Directed by Greg Banks

UnitedHealth Group Stage

September 17 – October 27

Recommended for grades K+

Phone: 612.874.0400

Click on the website above to read more about the show and the cast and crew. I want to put the word out early that this show will be offered in the Minneapolis area, a fine show, indeed. "Terrific, terrific, terrific," as the Goose says. I might even have a few tickets to give away. Check back later!

Continue to support the arts wherever you live, take a new class, attend a concert, play, or art show, and watch how it opens your own creative corridors.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Who are some of your favorite storybook characters?