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Last week in Sillers Hall, 17 Upper School Students of the Theatre 1 class performed before the entire Lower School the American classic Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.  They performed under the direction of Theatre Arts teacher Nathan Wheeler as their final project.

Theatre 1 is an introductory course that explores a wide range of theatrical areas in which students expand their imaginations, strengthen their communicative skills and gain an appreciation of theatre as a living art form. This was clearly portrayed in this performance. Although most of these performers had never been in a play before, they learned this play in 36 hours, even though it normally requires at least 90 hours of rehearsal.  Darcy Rice, Performing Arts Chair, thought this was also a wonderful opportunity to have the Upper School interact with the Lower School.  The play was warmly received by the Lower School students who were very attentive and would quickly get to their knees every time Wilbur was in distress in front of them.

Lead roles were played by ninth-graders Chris Barwick, Gabriela Leichnitz and Saba Saghafi.

Chris did a great job portraying Wilbur as hyperactive and kept the audience engaged in his ongoing efforts to stay alive.  In her role as Charlotte, Gabriela gave a charming performance in her clever antics to save Wilbur.  Playing the Goose and Gander, Graham Phillips and Sam Larsen got the most Lower School laughs for repeating themselves with a comedic tone.

The set was of simple design considering the time constraints, but ingenuity was definitely apparent in the costumes and props used.  Wilbur dressed in all pink, the Goose wore a white boa and Templeton the rat had painted whiskers. Props included Charlotte’s elaborate web and letters, a photographer and reporter with their own camera and notebook covering the county fair and a check to Mr. Zuckerman as the grand prize.

Thank you to all the Theatre I students for performing for the Lower School students, and congratulations on the success of your first play.

Tags: Lower School, Performing Arts, Upper School