‘Charlotte’s Web’ spins classic tale of friendship at SRU May 23

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – A TheatreworksUSA production of Charlotte’s Web, the delightful family classic about a pig named Wilbur and spider named Charlotte, will be performed at 7 p.m. May 23 at Slippery Rock University’s Miller Auditorium. The stage performance about true friendship is a one-hour adaptation of E.B. White’s book.

           Pigs, sheep and other endearing farm animals will ham it up to the accompaniment of a musical score by award-winning composer Jeffrey Lunden.
            “The show is appropriate for everyone in the family, especially elementary school children,” said Deborah Baker, SRU manager of University events. “It’s an uplifting story of friendship, loyalty and selfless love.”
           TheatreworksUSA’s production stays true to White’s original fable, which finds Wilbur fearing he will be turned into pork chops and sausage. Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, weaves a solution to save Wilbur. Along the way, she fools Farmer Zuckerman and makes Wilbur a prize pig.
           “Children will love the unbelievable things that happen in Zuckerman’s barn. Animals talk, Charlotte writes words with a web and as always there is a lot of suspense over Wilbur’s fate,” Baker said.
           White, who published the children’s book in 1952, drew from his experiences as a farmer in Maine.  Charlotte, the heroine, was born from his observations in the barn.
           TheatreworksUSA, based in New York City, is the nation’s largest non-for-profit theatre for young and family audiences. One of its missions is providing young children with their first exposure to the performing arts.  The company’s production of “Charlotte’s Web” began its national tour in fall 1993.
            The SRU showing is the final component of the University’s 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series. All tickets for the show are $8 for all audiences. Call 724.738.2091.
           Prior to the performance, AVI Foodservice Inc. will offer a dinner buffet from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Weisenfluh Dining Hall.  SRU education majors will lead creative and fun, hands-on activities. In addition, the movie “Charlotte’s Web” will be shown during the dinner, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Film Institute. T-shirts will be given to children as well.
           Tickets for the dinner, movie and activities are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. The pre-show activities are not included in the price of admission. After tickets are purchased for the show, families will be given the opportunity to buy seats for the dinner and activities. 

            
Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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