San Benito Stage Company opens ‘Charlotte’s Web’
The San Benito Stage Company opens its spring children’s
production of ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ April 1, at the Granada Theatre.
The story, by E.B. White, tells of a rural family that raises farm
animals for sale. When the daughter of the farmer makes the runt of
the litter, Wilbur, into a bit of a family pet, she doesn’t want to
see him go. With the help of a smart pack of animals, including a
spider named Charlotte, the animals trick the humans into thinking
he is a genius pig.
San Benito Stage Company opens ‘Charlotte’s Web’
The San Benito Stage Company opens its spring children’s production of ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ April 1, at the Granada Theatre. The story, by E.B. White, tells of a rural family that raises farm animals for sale. When the daughter of the farmer makes the runt of the litter, Wilbur, into a bit of a family pet, she doesn’t want to see him go. With the help of a smart pack of animals, including a spider named Charlotte, the animals trick the humans into thinking he is a genius pig.
Jenny Gomer, the show’s producer, said some of the kids in the play were familiar with the story from a movie starring Dakota Fanning that came out a few years ago. But she said the stage version has some differences.
The show has 53 kids in it, from 8 years old to eighth grade.
“No one character is any more or less important than any other,” Gomer said. “It takes the whole cast to make the show terrific.”
She said she emphasized that to the parents and kids from the start of the audition process, which was held in February. Rehearsals started Feb. 7, with the final practices taking place this week.
“It’s been a pleasure,” Gomer said. “We are so lucky to have community theater and all the parents as well as the community – whether they have children in the show or not – who are willing to put in the time.”
Gomer’s favorite part of being involved in the shows is that she watches the kids develop their characters from the first rehearsal to the opening night.
“When the sets come together, and they have their costumes and props, they really start to shine,” Gomer said. “It’s fun to see them go from being a little bit timid at first and then they gain confidence.”
During the last days before their opening night on April 1, the cast and crew worked on finalizing props, sound and lighting. The final dress rehearsal was scheduled for March 31, when local school children were invited to watch at a discounted price. Gomer said the director, vocal director and others have been instrumental in preparing for the opening.
“It is a rewarding experience for everyone involved,” she said.
‘Charlotte’s Web’ opens
San Benito Stage Company presents “Charlotte’s Web,” a children’s musical April 1-16, Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 3 and 10. Tickets are $12 for child/student/senior or $15 for adults. Group value packs are available for $40 for four tickets, by advance purchase only. Tickets are available at Postal Graphics and Pinnacle Floor Coverings. For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
