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Welcome to Charlotte’s Web – the second and final show in our 2024–2025 WMS Theatre season.

It has been a joy to work on this adaptation of a story that holds a special place in so many hearts. Over the past few months, students, parents, and staff have shared memories of reading this book – or hearing it read aloud –  during their elementary school years. I, myself, have one such memory: of sitting cross-legged on the carpet in first grade, hearing this story read aloud, and my teacher telling my mother that I had cried when we reached the poignant goodbye between Charlotte and Wilbur. There’s a quiet magic in these recollections—a sense of timelessness that speaks to the story’s enduring power.

We were guided by the theme of wonder during the rehearsal process. Charlotte’s Web invites us to slow down and see the world as Fern and Wilbur do—with curiosity, kindness, and awe. Whether it’s the quiet beauty of a spider’s web, the changing of the seasons, or the simple miracle of friendship, the story reminds us that wonder is all around us, if we simply pay attention. In rehearsal, the actors were encouraged to notice and embody this sense of wonder in both big and small ways—to channel it in their voices as storytellers, to find it in small moments and interactions between characters.

Each student brought dedication and imagination to the process. We chose a New England barn as our set to honor the years E.B. White spent raising his family on a farm in Maine, and our crew worked hard to bring this vision to life on stage. The actors brought heart, humor, and joy to every rehearsal. Theatre offers a powerful way to better understand both the world around us and ourselves. In the spirit of Charlotte’s Web, where wonder and discovery appear in the most unexpected places, I’ve watched these young people recognize their own capacity for growth and connection. Their journey illustrates how theatre builds confidence, fosters empathy, sparks creativity, and forms a true community.

Thank you for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show!

With gratitude,

Zoe Jabour