Saturday, September 5, 2009

I was asked to post on UVU theatre department's website about Charlotte's Web. I'm in it, and it opens September 17. Also, it's amazing, and I really think you should come and see it! Here is my post:

Christopher Clark told us at our first cast meeting that Charlotte's Web "isn't a dumb kid's show," and I wrote that at the very top of the first page of my script. As we've rehearsed I've continued to think about that. This isn't a dumb kid's show. Sure, the story is known as a children's story, but the way it's told is so unchildlike, and the experiences within the story are things that everyone, both child and adult, can experience: incredible friendship, hard work, happiness, loss of a dear friend, etc. In fact, the main reason why I'm so excited for this production is because of how much it means, and will mean to so many people. Whether they know the story, love the story, or don't know the story at all, everyone can relate to something in it. The entire cast has worked so hard to be able to produce this amazing experience on stage, and I can't to share it with everyone.

Last night, as I was getting ready for a scene, one of Wilbur's lines hit me and really sank into me. I don't remember his line exactly, but he was yelling at Templeton for being inconsiderate to him and also towards Charlotte's dire situation. Now, this is my personal take on his line, but he says something about how it doesn't matter how long you live, but how you live. Wilbur assures both himself and Templeton that he, Wilbur, has lived a good life, and that he is happy. As I was walking towards my entrance location I thought, "Wilbur is less than a year old. What has he experienced to make himself so happy and fulfilled in such a short time?" Then I thought about his friendship with Charlotte, Fern, the farm animals and others. They trust eachother, are dedicated to serving eachother, and love eachother. Thinking about good friendships and relationships that I have, or have had, I realized/remembered that that's what made them so meaningful, and made me so happy. Trust, dedication, and love. This production portrays these traits (and so many others) that are so valuable and meaningful to everyone.

I love this show. I love this story. I'm so glad that I'm a part of this production; part of this experience. Come and see. You won't regret it.

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