Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White, is a staple story in every childhood bookshelf and, more importantly, many young kids’ first encounter with death. The play, adapted by Joseph Robinette, winner of the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award, exists in the repertoire of children’s theater in the same way as its picture book counterpart. A lively, compassionate, and connective show that left the audience of children almost entirely silent. In any other theater-for-young-audiences show, this might indicate that they didn’t understand, but in this production, it was a sign that they were really listening. The children leaned forward in their seats as they watched this familiar 2D story come to life before their eyes. The essential importance of Theater for Young Audiences is exemplified by Adventure Theatre MTC’s Charlotte’s Web.
Charlotte’s Web is about making friends in unfamiliar places and with unfamiliar faces. On the Arables’ farm, the runt of a litter of pigs is about to be killed before Fern, the daughter, pleads with her father to spare the pig. Fern names the pig Wilbur and helps him grow strong and healthy. But with this health and strength comes a toll; Wilbur is now eating more than the Arable family can provide, so he gets moved to Uncle Homer’s farm, where there are more resources to care for this newly fattened pig. In his new home, though scared, Wilbur makes several animal friends: Templeton, a blinged-out rat, two worldly geese, an aging sheep, and a spider, Charlotte. However, even in his new home, another obstacle arises; now that Wilbur is grown, he is prime material for bacon and ham. He is being fattened and readied for his future as a piece of meat on a dinner plate. As this reality crashes down on Wilbur and his companions, Charlotte, our unsuspecting hero, steps (or rather spins) in to try to save Wilbur’s life.
A play built on the strong foundation of a fantastic children’s story, the production is brought to life under the direction of Clancey Yovanovich, whose vision streamlines the tale in its new three-dimensional capacity. The design elements work together to land the audience in both location and mood, while the direction uplifts the humanity and desire for belonging ingrained in the text. Each animal is humanized, with animalistic qualities in costume and affectation balanced with distinct human personalities.
Megan Holden’s set design makes the audience feel like they are in the dusty, allergy-ridden barn that Wilbur calls home. The physical barriers Yovanovich and Holden utilized solved the complication presented by depicting the scale of a pig and a spider in the same space, played by humans of similar sizes. The two-story barn places Charlotte above and Wilbur below, neither able to transcend the barrier of their physical realities, forcing their connection to exist at a distance, a contrast to the close, tactile relationship of all the other characters.
The costume design by Paris Francesca was exquisite. Charlotte donned a black widow look with a corset, skirt, heeled boots, and scarf. The geese were exactly what one would expect a goose-turned-human to wear: stripes, oranges and yellows, and a straw hat. Wilbur was decked out in pink overalls and, at times, a matching bowtie, and Templeton was in a leather jacket with loud silver chains, combat boots, and a fedora.
The production is further bolstered by an expert cast of TYA veterans. Deimoni Brewington is simply delightful as Wilbur, animated and joyous while grounded and honest. Irene Hamilton is spellbinding, meticulous, and effortlessly kind as the titular character, Charlotte. Dylan Toms is hilarious, sassy, and captivating as Templeton. Jordan Leah Embrack gives Fern a lovely girlishness matched with fervor as she teaches us to love Wilbur. As Narrator, Bianca Lipford guides us through the unstaged parts of the story with care and poise. RJ Pavel is an enlivened Homer but most intriguing as the old, wise, and stubborn sheep.
As Adventure Theatre MTC prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, it is clear this company prioritizes art that celebrates, encourages, and inspires the next generation of artists. However, don’t let the theater-for-young-audiences classification deter you. Charlotte’s Web is a play for everyone, with messages that hit home regardless of age and a heartbreaking yet beautiful last few scenes felt deeply by all in attendance.
Unerringly truthful, passionately funny, and steeped in love, this show is a must-see for audiences of all ages. In these complicated times, it reminds us of our humanity and need for connection. And, of course, supporting the arts is always a step in the right direction.
Running Time: Approximately 55 minutes with no intermission.
Charlotte’s Web plays through May 25, 2025, at Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC), 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Purchase tickets ($25, with birthday party, group, and field trip rates available) online or by calling the box office at 301-634-2270.
Charlotte’s Web is recommended for ages 4 and up.
COVID Safety: Masks are currently optional for Adventure Theatre for most performances.
Charlotte’s Web
Based on the book by E.B. White
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Recipient of the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award
CAST
Fern: Jordan Leah Embrack
Charlotte: Irene Hamilton
Wilbur (before 5/7): Deimoni Brewington
Wilbur (5/7 et seq.): Jordan Brown
Templeton: Dylan Toms
Homer: RJ Pavel
Narrator: Bianca Lipford
Understudy Wilbur, Templeton, Homer: Seth Drenning
Understudy Fern, Charlotte, Narrator: Natalia Fyfe
CREATIVE TEAM
Directed by Clancey Yovanovich
Set Designer: Megan Holden
Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin
Costume Designer: Paris Francesca
Sound Designer: Kenny Neal
Resident Properties Designer: Andrea “Dre” Moore
Director of Production: Michael R. Burgtorf
Production Manager: Dom Ocampo
Technical Director: Jax Pendland
Stage Manager: Shannon Saulnier
Assistant Stage Manager: Lorna Ryan
Lead Electrician: Jimmy Engelkemier
Electricians: Alex Kozlov, Shana Franklin, Patrick Carter, Jasmine Gibbs, Lauren Meek
Scenic Charge: Dom Ocampo
Scenic Artist: Mrinali Thanwani
Carpenters: Brian Klose, Nico von Friedeburg, Benjamin Campion, George Burgtorf
