Musical spins a web of love

Back by popular demand, the musical Charlotte’s Web is being staged at the National Children’s Theatre. It is a perfect holiday or school outing.
A BEAUTIFUL spider named Charlotte is set to ensnare children in a web of love and delight when the musical Charlotte’s Web opens at the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown.

Charlotte's Web is back at the NTC by popular demandCharlotte's Web is back at the NCT by popular demandBack by popular demand, the musical will be on stage during the Easter school holidays.

A popular tale, Charlotte’s Web is about the true meaning of friendship and love. It is an exciting story of Charlotte, the spider; Fern, the young girl who loves animals and speaks to them; Wilbur, the irresistible young pig; and a gluttonous rat called Templeton.

The story takes place on Zuckerman’s Farm, home to a variety of different animals with a wide range of opinions and ways of doing things. Here, Wilbur finds he is about to be sold to a butcher and land up on the dinner table – as the main course, not the guest.

When the animals find out that Mr Zuckerman is fattening up Wilbur to be slaughtered, Charlotte is determined to save her friend from this terrible fate and spins mysterious words into her web. The news about Wilbur spreads overnight, and he is saved. And in the process, Wilbur learns the true meaning of friendship.

The play features some well-known actors, such as Brenda Mukwevho of Muvhango, who plays the lead role of Charlotte. Nomonde Matiwane is Wilbur, Nichole Makoba is Fern. The supporting cast includes Devon Flemmer, last seen in Disney’s Aladdin JR, Lungelo Gwala, Cameron Botha and Marco Spaumer, playing a variety of roles including Templeton the rat, Uncle Pig and Avery.

This musical play is based on the book Charlotte’s Web by EB White and is directed by Francios Theron, with the beautiful set and costumes by Sarah Roberts. Musical supervision is by Rowan Bakker and choreography by Shelley Adriaanzen.

According to the theatre, the show is a “must see”, a theatrical experience to share with the whole family with a message that will captivate children and adults – a message of loyalty courage, self-sacrifice and above all, love.

Charlotte’s Web is at the National Children’s Theatre from 12 March to 14 April, at 10.30am and 2.30pm during school holidays. Performances are on Mondays to Saturdays. During the government school term, performances are on weekdays at 9am and 10.30am.

Tickets are available at Computicket from R80 for children and R100 for adults. Block bookings and specials are available for schools, groups and birthday parties.

For more information, visit the theatre’s website or email Sydwell Koopedi on Sydwell@jyt.co.za.