Hamilton Drama Society Presents: Charlotte's Web!
Photo submitted by Kendall Syslack.
Kendall Syslack
The story of Charlotte’s Web has been popular among young minds for decades. Many students at Hamilton have said that they are familiar with the story. The Hamilton Drama Society has decided to take on the heartfelt story for their winter show, bringing a message of kindness and friendship to the community.
The show follows the story of a young pig named Wilbur (senior Ava Lally) as she explores the world. She befriends many humans and animals, including a young girl named Fern (junior Kendall Syslack), as well as sheep, geese, and the sneaky rat of the farm, Templeton ( senior Jony Steffen). She also creates an unlikely friendship with the farm’s spider, Charlotte (senior Jillian Arthur). Due to the nearing danger of being used as meat on the farm, Wilbur and her friends devise a plan to save her fate: through the magical words written in Charlotte’s web.
The cast ranges from freshmen to seniors. Directed by Sarah Plamann and Abby Bloomquist, and student directed by junior Tyler Vergin. Many members of the drama society, as well as students and staff from the school district, have asked Plamann how she will be depicting the story on the stage, as well as why the story was chosen as the winter show.
In reference to the depiction of farm animals, Plamann says, “I do not want this to come across as being childish or cartoonish, so we are going subtle to give the ‘essence’ of the animal, so color choices, interesting makeup and hair, and overall trying to capture the personality of the animal in the appearance.”
She also mentioned why she chose Charlotte’s Web. She says, “First, I always LOVE doing a children's show. The kids in the district LOVE coming to see our shows (so do their teachers!), but I also know the high school kids enjoy it. It's been a while since we've done anything geared towards younger kids, and it's just a super cute script and a great ‘feel good’ story.”
Like Plamann, many of the students have enjoyed bringing such a classic childhood story to life.
What has been your favorite part of the show’s process as a part of the cast?
“Seeing everyone grow into their character has been really cool. It started out as a script, and now has evolved into something we’re all very proud of.”
“Working with my castmates, specifically Josh Spoerl and Lauren Steighner, as they have grown into their characters so well.”
“Getting to know new members of the cast and crew has been a lot of fun. It’s great to meet new people in the drama community.”
What has been your favorite part of the show’s process as a part of the crew?
“Working with everyone has been a really rewarding experience. There is a lot that goes into the show behind the scenes and it’s cool to be a part of that.”
“My favorite part has to be the experience working with others, and understanding how to take ‘orders’ from someone that is technically higher than you in the whole grand scheme of things.”
“My favorite part of working on crew is learning about how things go on in theater shows behind the scenes. It is a very interesting and fun experience, and getting to share that opportunity with friends makes it 10 times better.”
Another exciting endeavor that the drama society may take part in is the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana. Plamann and Bloomquist have decided to enter a videotape of Charlotte’s Web to the competition, in hopes to perform at the event in June. Many members of the drama society have already qualified to compete in Thespian events in the competition, ranging from monologue entrees to solo songs. If Charlotte’s Web were to qualify for the national competition, the cast and crew would have the opportunity to present their show on the national stage!
Plamann discussed this intriguing opportunity, and says, “We had to be selected/approved to participate. Every year at Nationals, a few select schools have the opportunity to perform at night at the showcase. We will submit a recording of our play for adjudication. We will then get feedback. Then, in mid-March, they will announce who will be performing!”
The school performances will take place in the Hamilton Fine Arts Center on February 10, 11, and 12, and the link to buy tickets is below. Come out and support your classmates in this nostalgic tale!
