Charlotte's Web Marks 60 Years With a Show

When Elwyn Brooks White handed editor Ursula Nordstrom a manuscript in 1952, it was seven years after the publication of Stuart Little. The prolific writer had been on The New Yorker staff since 1927, and had seen Stuart Little receive an unenthusiastic critical response. However, Charlotte's Web became a best-seller and has been so since its publication, 60 years ago.

Now, local kids have a chance to bring the beloved classic to life. Maplewood resident Shona Roebuck will direct InterACT's first children's show.

 "I am so excited to be directing interACT's first children's production," says Roebuck. "Charlotte's Web is a childhood favorite of mine, and I think this poignant story of friendship speaks to all, young and old,” she said.

There are roles for all the enchanting characters of this children’s classic: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be "a true friend and a good writer." Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig."

Auditions for Charlotte's Web will be held Tuesday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Baird Theater in South Orange. Callbacks will be Saturday, October 27 at 1 p.m.

Roebuck is looking for children enrolled in grades K-8 for the production. Appointments are strongly suggested and may be made online @ interACT Auditions.

Walk-ins are welcome and will be seen at first available time slot.

Performance dates are February 1-February 3, 2013.

Auditions will be held at The Baird Theater, 5 Mead St. 3rd Floor, South Orange. Parents will be required to attend a parent informational meeting Saturday,  November 3 at 1 p.m.

General rehearsals will be held Tuesday Wednesday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

More information is available from interACT Theatre Productions, (973)-544-8489 or info@interactproductions.org