Charlotte’s Web
Directed by Blake Selmes
Musical direction by Greg Angus
By Joseph Robinette, adapted from the children’s classic by E.B White
November 23 - December 11
“A promise made is a promise kept.”
The Lieder Theatre Company is proud to present Charlotte’s Web, based on the beloved tale by E.B.White. Set in a nostalgic farmyard world, an orphaned pig named Wilbur becomes frightfully aware of the fate that awaits him until an unexpected friendship with an enlightened grey spider changes everything. Charlotte’s supportive influence on the direction of Wilbur’s life is indeed magical, yet achievable in the real world, giving audiences wonderful thoughts to ponder as they emerge from this rolicking theatre experience.
This classic story has endured as a favourite for 70 years because it works as a powerful allegory on the turning points in our lives. It speaks to everyone, young and old, as we’ve all felt like an abandoned runt who hopes to have our world enriched out of the blue by the unconditional love of a new friend, even if that friend is the human equivalent of a compassionate spider. Charlotte’s Web reminds us that rallying to help an earnest young soul can positively impact anyone, no matter if you’re an overprotective goose, a cynically wise old sheep, or a grizzled old rat with a well-hidden soft side.
The Lieder Theatre Company’s grand tradition of assembling multigenerational casts is in full effect this time around, resulting in a mutually supportive team of veteran stage actors and brave young talents. The three leads in this show are all making their speaking debut on the Lieder MainStage.
Serena Weatherall is an established performer and singer, having trained in Sydney and teaching in Canberra. To prepare for the role as Charlotte, she and Selmes are studying aerial acrobatics, writing and learning songs, and utilising a movement workshop by Lieder performer and choreographer Sakshi Kumar from the Sanskriti School of Indian Performing Arts.
Kiesha McMahon has been an expressive and hardworking member of the Lieder Youth Theatre for six years. After revealing her show-stealing potential in Mighty Playwrights 2022, she has been chosen to portray the earnest and passionate Wilbur.
Marli McKellar has appeared as a non-speaking ensemble member in the Lieder’s 2022 Romeo and Juliet, but this is her first leap into a main character role. Marli is honing the singing and puppetry skills required for this emotive role while she portrays Fern with a beautifully nuanced and natural delivery.
Director Blake Selmes’ passion for collaboration and community through theatre is at full force in this production. In addition to forming new creative relationships with Life Yoga Goulburn, Sanskriti School of Indian Performing Arts, Goulburn Spinners and Weavers and his newly formed Uppity Puppetry Theatre Co, his relationship with Hume Conservatorium has brought about a very exciting partnership.
“Looking back at my career as children’s entertainer, street performer and early childhood educator, I noticed one day that all of these projects - as with most of my work - have involved the heavy use of music. Whether in a participatory or performative form, music has always served a profound role in my work for children - as has the magical art of puppetry.”
“These days, traveling to primary schools to deliver classroom music for Hume Conservatorium, I have come to learn that - like music - puppetry is an incredibly effective teaching tool. All the ingredients to tell this story in a very special way were already there.” - Blake Selmes
While not a musical, the play has been injected with many musical moments, sung numbers, and a swelling score, performed live by a trio of excellent local musicians.
”The Hume Conservatorium is excited to continue collaborating with The Lieder Theatre Company and Goulburn’s fantastic Arts institutions to provide opportunities for local musicians and be a part of the growing movement of building community through the arts here in the Tablelands.” - Andy Picker, Associate Director, Hume Conservatorium
The ‘Barn Band’ steers us along the show’s emotional pathway from a hayloft on stage with a live mix of bluegrass, blues and a few surprises. Musical director Greg Angus has arranged dozens of tunes to enhance E.B White’s story with humour, tenderness and a touch of melancholy, but audiences will get to do some good old knee-slappin’ when it counts! Hume Conservatorium associate director Andy Picker brings his cello and more to the Barn Band while he also performs as a pivotal character. Mandolinist Callum White was a 2022 composer in the HumeCon’s Mighty Tunesmith program, a project supporting the Goulburn Mulwaree Library’s Mighty Playwrights Program. Callum now brings his formidable musical chops to the stage, rounding out an authentic Barn Band sound that perfectly illuminates the country setting of this play.
The Lieder continues its 130 year history of creating high quality and purposeful theatre, made accessible to all. Tickets from $15.
As well as two sold-out schools shows, Charlotte’s Web is showing ten performances, over a three week season.
Wednesday 23 November 7pm
Saturday 26 November 1pm matinee
Wednesday 30 November 7pm
Thursday 1 December 7pm
Friday 2 December 7pm
Saturday 3 December 2pm matinee
Saturday 3 December 7pm
Saturday 10 December 2pm matinee
Saturday 10 December 7pm
Sunday 11 December 2pm matinee
Photography by Peter Oliver
Please note, this performance utilises Haze and Flashing lights