MSU’s Fairchild stage was filled with rustic, rolling farm/barn components that artfully reconfigured to become the neighboring farm and the county fair (scenic design Thalia Pearce) enhanced by artful lighting (Lauren
Spiegel) and media projections (Nicklas Casella) — plus dramatic sound design (Bunni Gutierrez) — which made for fun fireworks, sky, and baby-spider effects. The costumes (Kasee Arnett) were delightful conglomerations of “animal” and “people clothes.” Spider Charlotte’s furry leggy outfit was a masterpiece.
Andrew Brown was a chirpy, endearing Wilbur the Pig, bubbling with energy and porcine emotion. Of course devoted Fern (Cayla Hadaway) had to rescue him from being culled as the runt of the litter. Mysteriously noble Charlotte the Spider became Wilbur’s exotic and devoted friend, spinning words into her webs to save her friend. (I believe her assorted word-webs must have been constructed by “properties artisan” Ray Louise Sunshine.)
All the animals were cute in their creatively animal/human costumes, and displayed appropriately animalistic manners of movement and voice — with my favorites being Kim Martin as Mama Sheep, Ben Barber as Father Gander, and especially the exuberantly selfish, but ultimately helpful, Zach Deande, scurrying and munching with rodent zeal, as Templeton the Rat.
Note that this hour and a half show (no intermission) starts at 7pm, not the usual 8 — so you can bring children/grandchildren without pushing bedtime too much. There is also a creative coloring-book program for young audience members.
Ticket buyers can sign up for one of three free presentations and tours at the MSU Bug House, the MSU South Campus Animal Farm, or backstage at the Fairchild Theatre. Tours run on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The matinee performances on the Feb. 25 and 26 also will include interactive pre-show activities from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. featuring “Meet and Greet A Michigan Farmer” along with chicks and lambs, plus “Become an Animal” stations.
Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/charlottes-web