Encore Alum Reviews Charlotte’s Web
Encore alum, Xander Tilock shares his review of Charlotte’s Web:
“With the right words, you can change the world.”
This sentiment speaks right to the heart of Encore Stage and Studio’s current production of Charlotte’s Web. Alisa Kingsbury directed a talented young cast and brought these words to life in every corner of the show. The performance was enjoyable for all ages.
Encore’s outstanding technical staff, led by Kristen Jepperson as Technical Director, was consistently solid. Sam Regardie as the student set designer was outstanding in creating the immersive physical world of the play. Lighting by Gary Hauptman was also perfect as Encore patrons have come to expect.
The classic tale follows a pig named Wilbur (Abigail Reid) who is saved from an unfortunate fate on the farm by a child, Fern (Beatrice Misch). Wilbur is moved to another farm and navigates survival with the help —- or in some cases, reluctant help —- of the other barn animals.
The actors portraying animals took full advantage of their stage time, always painting an interesting stage picture with various barn activities. Lucy Constantine shined in her Encore debut as Charlotte, the titular character. She presented her poetic lines with the perfect touch of calm and teacher-esque tone without pushing the message of the show too far. Jonah Saxe countered Constantine as Templeton, the mischievous rodent and displayed masterful stage presence by earning abundant laughs from the audience with nearly every line.
As for the humans onstage, the farm folk of Lurvy (Layne Markowski) Mr. Arable (Spencer Tilock) and Homer Zuckerman (Zachary Rubin) moved the story forward and made a significant impact in each scene they entered.
As some may know, the plot takes a massive turn in the second act — a difficulty that the cast handled extremely well under the direction of Kingsbury and Assistant Director Jadion Jones. Additionally, Encore’s portrayal of Charlotte’s Web never felt too dark or overly theatrical. There was a perfect mixture of story, lessons to be learned and true emotion to be felt by all.
Charlotte’s Web is the perfect story for the full gamut of Encore patrons. We witness Wilbur’s entire perspective on the meaning of life evolve and grow. Ultimately, a somber yet heartwarming conclusion is reached — that we live to do good for others. The storytelling agents all flow beautifully together to culminate in theatergoers leaving with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful little details that make being in community together special.
Ultimately, the message also applies to what Encore as an organization is all about –- building community. Charlotte’s Web explains that friendship comes in many different forms, and our differences make us stronger. Post-pandemic, a new generation of Encore cast and crew has truly carried on the Encore way with pride —- and it makes for a production that is one of the season’s best.
Charlotte’s Web continues next weekend at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, with performances on Friday at 7:30 pm, along with Saturday at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and a final run Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at encorestage.org.
Blog contributor: Xander Tilock
Photography credit: Cindy Kane Photography