by Lorie Lewis Ham

I think it is safe to say that almost everyone is familiar with the classic children’s story, Charlotte’s Web. It is the story of an unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider–a friendship so strong that Charlotte the spider would do anything to save the life of the silly little pig named Wilbur.

When I saw that the Enchanted Playhouse in Visalia would be presenting a play of this story, I knew that I wanted to take my 9-year-old niece Kiana to see it. We were excited to attend opening weekend. Because it is a story that anyone of any age can appreciate, I also took my 25-year-old daughter Jessica-who had loved the story as a child.

Wilbur (Joshia Zsido) and Charlotte (Joanne Cook)

This is a perfect play for children especially. Not only is the story sweet and one that shows how important friendship can be, but any show filled with animals is something kids are likely to enjoy. The cast of characters include of course Wilbur the Pig (Joshua Zsido), Charlotte (Joanne Cook), the little girl who rescues Wilbur in the beginning and also loves him, Fern (Mia Trevino), Goose (Samantha Muse), Goosie (Kendall Valenzuela), Gracie the Gosling (Camille DuToit), Gabby the Gosling (Beatrice DuToit), Sheep (Emily Miller), Lamb (Emma Grenier), and one of my personal favorite characters Templeton the Rat (Josiah Dupree). Also in the story are Fern’s parents, her sister Avery (Charlotte Lyon), her aunt and uncle, and the farm hand. You also have a chorus of three who narrate some of the show and play various other characters.

The story of Charlotte’s Web is a timeless one, and Enchanted has done a lovely job of presenting a play for the whole family. Wilbur (Joshua) was adorable, and Charlotte (Joanne) was absolutely wonderful-and the favorite of all three of us. Charlotte’s costume was also especially well done and elegant (note the photo does not reflect the wig they ended up using for Charlotte).

Enchanted Playhouse shows at the Main Street Theater were where my own children first experienced theatre and they went on to develop a deep love of the theatre-not only seeing it but performing as well.

Charlotte and Wilbur after the show taking a photo with fans (this is the wig she wore in the show)

I encourage you to take your children to see this fun show, which will be on stage at the Main Street Theater, 307 E Main St, Visalia, CA through February 17. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or from their website.

You can find more theatre articles, and other entertainment articles, in our Arts & Entertainment section.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.