The Center for the Arts will produce an outdoor performance of Charlotte’s Web Sept. 18 through Sept. 20. The production will run for four performances at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza.
“We are so excited to bring live theater back to the stage,” says executive director Patience Long. “The arts are an important part of our lives and the absence of performances had a huge impact on our audiences and performers. This performance is a labor of love and triumph from all involved as we found a way to safely entertain and perform for the community.”
Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem—how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, develops a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman and save Wilbur. She will create a “miracle.” By spinning the words “Some Pig” into her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
Casting the production while ensuring the safety of the performers led to some interesting and creative efforts by the Center. Two full casts and two directors have been rehearsing at separate outdoor locations using social distancing protocols. When determining the casts, the directors called on the many families who have multiple members involved in activities at the theater. By casting family members in the productions, those actors are able to be near each other on stage without social distancing. The two separate casts also help ensure the that show will go on—if one cast becomes unable to perform, the other cast can take over all performances.
This presentation of Charlotte’s Web will mark the first time that the Center for the Arts has performed to an outdoor audience. Through a partnership with the City of Murfreesboro, the performance will be held at Civic Plaza.
Audience members are encouraged to bring their own camp chairs or blankets for seating.
Performance times are 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20.
Tickets are free but reservations are required at boroarts.org or by calling 615-904-ARTS (2787).
Charlotte’s Web Cast:
Sept. 18 And 20
Director – Mark David Williams
Fern Arable – Alana Shirk
Charlotte – Amanda Shirk
Avery Arable – Aiden Shirk
Wilbur – Hampton Phillips
Reporter/uncle – Royce Phillips
Narrator/announcer – Leah Williams
John Arable – Mark David Williams
Templeton – Jude Williams
Goose – Estella Williams
Homer Zuckerman – Dayton Brown
Edith Zuckerman – Christa Brown
Sheep – Evelyn Brown
Martha Arable – Niki Hazen
Lurvy – Jonathan Hazen
Gander – Ryan Hazen
Lamb – Allyson Hazen
Chorus (Spectators, Animals, Fairgoers) – Pearson Hazen, Addie Hazen, Madelyn Brown, Teak Brown
Sept. 19
Director – Denise Parton
Fern Arable – Ashleigh Massengill
John Arable – Eric Massengill
Martha Arable – Amy Massengill
Charlotte – Lisa McLaurin
Edith Zuckerman – Lydia Taylor
Homer Zuckerman – Jared Taylor
Avery Arable – Jordan Taylor
Gander – Jordan Taylor
Photographer- Caroline Bartlett
Wilbur – Charlie Bartlett
Reporter – Melissa Lowery
Lurvy – Brian Davis
Uncle – Brian Davis
Narrator – Denise Parton
Templeton – Zach Dame
Sheep – Donna Dame
Goose – Claire Lefort
Lamb – Madison Loyd
