Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild Presents “Charlotte’s Web”
The Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild starts its 50th Season with a theatrical treat for the whole family. On March 21st and March 22nd, the Guild will stage the beloved story by E. B. White called “Charlotte’s Web.” It will be presented at the Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Union & Findley streets, beginning at 7:30 pm each evening. Tickets at the door. They are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for students.
The play, adapted by Joseph Robinette from the classic children’s novel by E. B. White, has been rehearsing for weeks now under the direction of Guild veteran Kathy Dinsmore. Eager & excited younger actors play several roles in such parts as Fern, Wilbur, Avery (Fern’s brother), the Lamb, and other ensemble roles. All the characters are there, including Charlotte the Spider and Templeton the Rat, played by adults. This beloved tale is a great way to launch the milestone season for PTAG with a multi-generational cast keeping the theatre tradition alive in Punxsutawney.
The source material was published on October 15, 1952. It tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web praising him, such as “Some Pig”, “Terrific”, “Radiant”, and “Humble”, to persuade the farmer to let him live. But, even though the theme of death is prevalent, the book has become the most popular children’s book around.
The troupe states that “this is a great, classic story constructed in a fun way for young and old that sticks true to the original story and its universal message.” The theatre company tells us it has crafted a set that takes us to the Arable barnyard and the local fairgrounds, drawing audiences into the simple but heartfelt story. It is in those settings that we find the farmers and several animals seen on a farm. Together, they tell Wilber’s story with simple theatrical flair.
The cast of “Charlotte’s Web” is comprised of Becket Cannon, Thersa Boyer, Drinda Smith, Michael Shaffer, Liam Hales, Kim Lininger, Tim Cooper, Debra Dinsmore, Rosalie Troast, Laia Hales, Marie Martz, Anniston Welsh, Laura Deet, and Kathy Dinsmore. Matt Dinsmore serves as Stage Manager. Children and their families are welcome to see the runt of the litter and how he was spared from a horrible fate to become Fern Arable’s pet. The Guild also hopes all are enthralled by the wondrous abilities of an unexpected friend, Charlotte A. Cavatica, who turns the little runt into an award-winning pig in the eyes of both the humans and his farm friends.
The Theatre Guild says, “This is a show to lead the 50th Season with. ‘Charlotte’s Web’ involves a cast from school ages to adults. The experienced pass on skills to the younger set, and they all are having fun creating the show together. It is great for theatre patrons as well. It is a chance for a big family event, as Wilber’s story is a known classic worth another look. PTAG hopes you come out to support our local efforts as we present this favored tale.” Guild President Jef Dinsmore mentions, “Coming to our production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a great place to start your involvement with PTAG. Come enjoy the show and hang around to talk to us afterward about how you can become more involved. If we are going to see Season 51 we need you! “
The Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild hopes to see new faces in the audience and great theatrical fun for all in 2025. Get active, get acting, and have fun doing it with this long-standing troupe. They’d love to have you! You can reach out to the Theatre Guild at 814.938.0378, drop a note to PTAG at P.O. Box 152, or link up with the troupe on Facebook or punxsytheatre.org.