The Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
Weekends, Sept. 2 through Oct. 14, 2018
(Tempe, Ariz.) Childsplay Theatre opens its 42nd season of theatre for young
audiences and families with the beloved adaptation of Charlotte’s Web. The
production will also mark the company’s first production back at The
Herberger Theater Center as one of its resident companies.
The story of Charlotte’s Web is a timeless one about life, empathy and the
power of friendship. This will be the fifth time Childsplay has produced the
show, introducing brand new audiences to Wilbur, the endearing piglet trying
to make his way in the world, and the wise and winsome spider who becomes
his true friend.
“Charlotte’s Web is one of our audiences all-time favorite shows,” said
Childsplay Artistic Director Dwayne Hartford. “It’s a beautiful story that we
happen to tell very well. It felt right to celebrate the move to The Herberger
Theater Center with a production of this fantastic play.”
Tickets start at $12 and are on sale now at www.childsplayaz.org or at the
Herberger Theater Center Box Office (602) 252-8497. The play is
recommended for ages 5 and up. The Herberger Center is located at 222 E.
Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.
“I think audiences will love the story of friendship and giving,” said Thomas
Strawser, the actor who plays Wilbur. “They are going to love the characters
either for the first time or all over again. And they will definitely love the
playfulness and heart that everyone brings to the show.”
While this is Strawser’s first time playing Wilbur, longtime Childsplay
Associate Artist Debra K. Stevens, will be reprising the role of Charlotte for
the fifth time for this production.
“I love portraying Charlotte as she is so ingenious and creative--she is a
problem solver. She is a ‘terrific’ and fiercely loyal friend, which is something I
value very highly in my own life,” said Stevens. “I love being able to
communicate that sentiment to our audiences.”
The 4 p.m. performance on Sunday, Sept. 2 is a special $12 Storybook Preview
performance, sponsored by The Steele Foundation. Each family that attends
this General Admission preview performance will receive a free book. The
American Sign Language performance is Sun., Oct. 14 at 1pm.
Charlotte’s Web features Debra K. Stevens as Charlotte, Katie McFadzen as
Goose/Mrs. Arable, Jon Gentry as Templeton/Mr. Arable, Thomas Strawser as
Wilbur, Kate Haas as Sheep/Edith Zuckerman, Tony Latham as Avery Able,
Sedona Urias-Ramonett as Fern Arable, and Nathan Alfred as Homer
Zuckerman/Uncle.
Director: David Saar
Scenic Design: Douglas Clarke
Costume Design: Adriana Diaz
Lighting Design: Rick Paulsen
Sound Design: Christopher Neumeyer
Stage Manager: Rebekah Carriere
Charlotte’s Web was written by Joseph Robinette, based on the book by E.B.
White. This production is sponsored by APS.
For interviews or media appearances, please contact Samantha Johnstone
at (480) 921-5703 or sjohnstone@childsplayaz.org. High-resolution images
are available for download from Childsplay’s website at
About Childsplay:
Childsplay, Inc. is a nonprofit theatre company of professional, adult artists
who perform for and teach young audiences and their families. The mission of
Childsplay is "to create theatre so strikingly original in form, content or both,
that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the
medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, the hallmarks of childhood
which are keys to the future." For more information, visit
www.childsplayaz.org.
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