Seventy-one pupils from Stirling Primary are preparing to bring the much-loved children’s story Charlotte’s Web to the Guild Theatre stage from October 28 to 31.
The musical promises a delightful combination of singing, acting and dancing as the school’s talented cast brings to life the story of Wilbur, a pig whose life is saved through the bravery and friendship of Charlotte, a spider.
The production brings together the school’s drama, art and music departments, which have been working collaboratively since auditions in April, with Saturday rehearsals beginning in June.
The school’s head of creative arts, Sandra Baxter-Marais, said 71 children aged between 11
and 13 make up the cast and backstage team, supported by a group of Grade 1 pupils playing goslings.
Based on the beloved story by E.B. White, the musical explores themes of friendship, loyalty and the value of life, as Charlotte and the other farm animals work together to save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
The production also features a host of entertaining animal characters, including the
repetitive geese, the sheep who remind Wilbur of his predicament, and Templeton the rat, who reluctantly becomes involved in the effort to save him.
At the heart of the story is the friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte, reflected in
Wilbur’s words: “I can face anything with friends like you, Charlotte.”
Although Charlotte’s life eventually comes to an end, the story continues with the hatching of her spiderlings, offering a touching reminder of friendship, change and the cycle of life.
“Performing with a set, props, a full rig of stage lighting, in specially created costumes
accompanied by a live band of music teachers is an experience which will create happy memories for our children,” Baxter-Marais said.
The young performers have been guided by the school’s creative teachers as they prepare to take to the Guild Theatre stage, where the production will give them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of an audience.
Encouraging the public to support the young performers, Baxter-Marais adapted the words of Homer, the farmer in the story, to express her enthusiasm for the production.
“This will be a mighty fine show. Mighty fine. Come along to the Guild everyone. Charlotte’s
Web will be a musical you can tell your friends and grandchildren about!” she said.
The production will run at the Guild Theatre from Wednesday, October 28, to Saturday, October 31.
Evening performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at 6.30pm, while a Saturday
matinee will take place at 2.30pm. Tickets cost R100 and are available through
Webtickets or at the door on the night.
upcoming production are, from left, Makenzie Mundell, Esethu Mafani, Luniko Booi, Ayaqhama
Gora, and Mackenzie Collins. Picture: SUPPLIED