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MSU Theatre Presents Art & Science Family Fun with ‘Charlotte’s Web’

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre presents Charlotte’s Web, adapted by Joseph Robinette, running Feb. 17-26 in the Fairchild Theater. This production is family friendly for all ages. 

Based on E.B. White’s loving story of a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte, this treasured tale explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte weaves a solution that not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but ensures his place on the farm forever. 

A picture of two actors in costume. One is dressed in black with a fur drape; the other is dressed in pink with pig ears.
Mona Eldahshoury (left) as Charlotte and Andrew Brown (right) as Wilbur on the Department of Theatre set of Charlotte’s Web. (Photo by Josh Denver)

Ticket buyers will have an opportunity to sign up for one of three free presentations and tours at the MSU Bug House, the MSU South Campus Animal Farm, or backstage at the Fairchild Theatre. Tours run on Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The matinee performances on Feb. 25 and 26 also will include interactive pre-show activities from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. featuring “Meet and Greet a Michigan Farmer” along with chicks and lambs, plus “Become an Animal” stations. 

The production also will include a Sensory-Friendly Performance on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. This performance will include a pre-show workshop and social narrative at 6 p.m. as well as alternative activity areas and sensory supports throughout the performance. These activities will be hosted by the MSU Sense-Ability Ensemble, a troupe of students trained to create theatrical performances for audiences that are neurodiverse. To register for pre-show activities at the Sensory-Friendly Performance or for more information, contact Dionne O’Dell at odelldio@msu.edu.  

A picture of two actors in costume. One is dressed in black with a fur drape; the other is dressed in pink with pig ears.
Andrew Brown (left) as Wilbur and Mona Eldahshoury (right) as Charlotte on the set of “Charlotte’s Web.” (Photo by Josh Denver)

“These events are designed to reduce barriers to theatre access and provide enrichment activities for young learners by encouraging children to see themselves as future artists and scientists, kindle their curiosity, and give them the tools for exploration,” said Dr. Ann Folino White, Director and Associate Professor of Theatre.  

Tickets for Charlotte’s Web are $20 for general admission, $15 for MSU faculty/staff and seniors, and $10 for students and children 12 and younger. Tickets are available online at whartoncenter.com, at the Wharton Center box office, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON. 

Performance Dates and Times 

  • Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.  
  • Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.* 
  • Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. 
  • Friday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. 

*denotes Sensory-Friendly Performance 

Funding for the tours, pre-show activities, and Sensory-Friendly Performance is made possible in part by a grant from Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

For more information on the show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit: https://theatre.msu.edu/2022-2023-season/.  

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