Theatre Bristol presents 'Charlotte's Web' at Cameo Theatre

BRISTOL – Theatre Bristol announced it will be spinning a terrific tale about not just any, but some pig, live on stage in "Charlotte's Web" at the Cameo Theatre weekends March 13-29. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evening performances and Saturday and Sunday matinees at theatrebristol.org/tickets "The best American children's book of the past two hundred years," according to The Children's Literature Association, has been adapted by playwright Joseph Robinette with the advice of author E.B. White, to create a play that captures and complements this classic. Veteran actors and newcomers to the stage were cast from around the region in this endearing story of true friendship. Storytellers Samantha Neidigh, Amira Farmer and Leah Smith guide us through the enchanting story. All the beloved characters are here: Wilbur, played by Miles Pickard and a younger Wilbur by Joe Zeiler as the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid a precarious fate; Fern played by Quinn Jervis, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; and Templeton played by Rhealyn Proffitt, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed. The Zuckerman family includes Homer played by Scott Boyles, Edith played by Cristy Robinson, and farm hand Lurvy played by Ashley Balcom and the Arable family includes John played by Justin Collea, Martha played by Lindsey Holderfield, with annoying brother Avery played by Jett Deskins. The extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be "a true friend and a good writer" is played by Tara Balcom. Determined to save Wilbur, it's the beginning of a "miracle" which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur ensuring what is most important to Charlotte. On the Zuckerman farm, we also meet the Goose played by Skylar Scheuer, the Gander played by Aaron Westfall, the Sheep played by Marleina Turner, the Lamb played by Isla Crockett, the Rooster by Breckin Wallace, the Chicken by Abby Cheek, the Cat by Millie Boyles, the Rabbit by Lola Dew, the Goat by Kiera Leonard, the Duck by Natalie Francois, and the Dog by Blake Bays. The Goslings are Blair Atchley, Abby Dowell, Finn Hilt, Serenity King, Stella Love, Mason Mangrum and Gemma Wallace. When news of that "some pig" on the Zuckerman farm reaches the community, Reporter Maci Gammon and Photographer Kate Zeiler are there to get the scoop. County Fair Spectators Kalyn Wade and Kinley Wade assess the competition for the blue ribbon, Wilber versus Uncle played by Johnny Archer. Fairgoers Breckin Wallace, Lola Dew, Kiera Leonard, Blake Bays and Joe Zeiler gather to witness the "humble" Wilbur. Judges Millie Boyles, Abby Cheek and Natalie Francois determine that Wilbur is indeed as terrific and humble as Charlotte claims, and Andrew Kristofek announces it all. Back at the Zuckerman farm, Wilbur cares for Charlotte's egg sac and sees all 514 baby spiders hatch. The three that choose to remain with Wilbur and learn about Charlotte's kind heart and amazing deeds are Joy played by Blair Atchley, Aranea by Abby Dowell and Nellie by Gemma Wallace. Director Camille Gray's recent directing credits include Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Scrooge! The Musical, Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr., The Diary of Anne Frank, Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar. Gray is supported by stage manager Libby Street, costume designer Katie Cheek, prop master Rachel Smith, set designer Camille Gray, sound designer and operator Reece Hilt, assistant costume designer Abby Cheek, prop assistant Reese Davis, lighting designer and operator Carter Bresowar, master carpenter Ned Zeiler, tech director Albert Tester, and producer Samantha Gray. Theatre Bristol opens "Charlotte's Web" on March 13, and runs performances for three weekends at the Cameo Theatre, 703 State St., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 (with card fees for $18.88 or cash for $17.12), and for children, students and seniors $12 (with card fees for $14.38 or cash for $12.84). Reservations may be made at www.TheatreBristol.org/tickets. Schools may contact Theatre Bristol for details about school performances. E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. "Charlotte's Web" is part of Theatre Bristol's 2026 Season of comedies, dramas and musicals, including American Tall Tales with River's Way; Grease; Red, White and Tuna; The Mockingbird Sings; Clue; and It's A Wonderful Life - The Musical; and the Cathy DeCaterina School of Theatre Arts classes; The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition; PLAYtime in the ARTspace; The StART of Adventure summer camp; and audition and stagecraft workshops. Founded in 1965 by Cathy DeCaterina, Theatre Bristol is a 61-year-old nonprofit community theatre located in downtown Bristol serving all ages that also has the distinction as the oldest continually running children's theatre in northeast Tennessee. Located on historic State Street in downtown Bristol, it also serves southwest Virginia with drama, comedy, and musical productions that take place in the black box ARTspace theatre, historic Cameo Theatre, and at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is a volunteer-operated community organization and invites everyone to get involved. For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol's website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625 or email info@theatrebristol.org.