Young Actors in Charlotte's Web Spin a Wonderful Story

Theatre Arlington has two all-youth shows a year and lucky for us one of them is a top children’s story of all time: Charlotte’s Web. Everybody in the show and backstage is under 18 years old but there is nothing juvenile about their abilities.

“They don’t get any special treatment because they are kids,” laughed Kim Lawson, Director of Development for Theatre Arlington.

The kids rehearse about four times a week for a month and then every single day the week leading up to the show. Some of the actors have traveled as far as Granbury, thanks to some very dedicated parents. The parents not only serve as chauffeurs but also as backstage assistants.

“When the parents are involved and it is a family event, there is so much more ownership in it and so much more pride,” said Lawson.

Last Saturday I went to see Charlotte’s web and boy was I impressed. All of the actors, no matter their age, spoke loud and clear, remembered their lines, and had distinct personalities.

My personal favorites from the play have to be Templeton the rat played by Reed Lewis and Lurvy played by Timothy Lewis. No, that isn’t a coincidence; the Lewis’ are brothers and talented ones at that. Templeton, known as the sly rat that doesn’t care much for Wilbur, had a mobster walk, ‘fuhgettaboutit’ attitude and accent to match.  Lurvy is the Zimmerman’s hired help who looks after Wilbur. He has great comedic timing and his red neck accent caused a lot of laughter to erupt from the audience.

Another notable feature of the play was the intricate web. The audience was able to watch Charlotte remove pieces of the web and add in phrases spelt out in wire such as “Some Pig” and “Humble”.  It made Charlotte feel very real although she was simply in a dress and didn’t have eight legs.

Go ahead and make plans to see Charlotte's Web this weekend, you won't be disappointed. Supporting the arts is vital to a child's self-esteem and teaches them about hard work, dedication and team work. 

Charlotte’s Web runs for only one more weekend at Theatre Arlington. Click here to purchase tickets.

Show times:

Friday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Thank you to United Services Association for Health Care for their generous sponsorship and to Black Eyed Pea for the opening night catering.