Charlotte's Web at the Zach Theater in Austin, Texas from February 13 through May 17, 2026. (Image: Zach Theater)
Charlotte’s Web Comes to Life at Zach Theater with Grace, Heart, and Intimate Wonder
On a February evening in Austin with a sense of shared excitement, Zach Theater opened the doors to a world of barns, friendship, and belief in the power of words. Charlotte’s Web officially began its run on February 13, 2026 at The Kleberg Theater, and from the opening moments it was clear this production aimed to honor the emotional core of E.B. White’s story while offering a theatrical experience that felt fresh, inventive, and deeply human.
Adapted by Joseph Robinette, Charlotte’s Web has long been a cornerstone of children’s literature, but Zach Theater’s production leans confidently into the poetry of the material rather than treating it as a simple family diversion. The story of Wilbur the pig, Fern Arable’s compassion, and Charlotte the spider’s quiet heroism unfolded with sincerity and care, guided by director Nat Miller’s clear affection for the source material.
First published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web remains one of the most enduring works of children’s literature, praised for its emotional honesty and deceptively simple storytelling. The novel explores themes of friendship, mortality, loyalty, and the power of language, trusting young readers with complex ideas while wrapping them in warmth and humor. Its gentle wisdom has made it a staple in classrooms and families for generations.One of the most striking elements of the production is the portrayal of Charlotte herself. Cast as an aerial artist, Laura Husmann brings a sense of elegance and otherworldly calm to the role. Suspended above the stage, she moves with deliberate grace, embodying the physicality of a spider while never losing the warmth and wisdom that define Charlotte’s character. The aerial work is not a gimmick but an extension of the storytelling, visually reinforcing Charlotte’s role as both observer and protector within the barnyard world.
Author E.B. White was already a celebrated essayist and contributor to The New Yorker when he wrote Charlotte’s Web, drawing inspiration from his own experiences on a farm in Maine. White believed deeply in the moral intelligence of children, a philosophy that shaped the book’s refusal to talk down to its audience. Charlotte’s carefully chosen words, spun literally into being, reflect White’s lifelong reverence for language and its ability to comfort, persuade, and endure.
The production is enriched by live bluegrass music performed by the cast, creating an intimate musical landscape that feels rooted in rural tradition. Under the musical direction of Jerome Schoolar, the sound becomes a shared language between performers and audience. The music does not overpower the story but gently underscores it, adding texture and emotional resonance to moments of joy and loss alike.
A beloved creative voice at Zach Theatre, Jerome Schoolar has spent years shaping the kind of storytelling that welcomes families with open arms. His work on the long running favorite Holiday Heroes reflects the same spirit of generosity and play that defines Zach’s approach to theatre for young audiences. Schoolar’s touch is one of warmth, humor, and genuine connection, the kind that turns a simple performance into a shared experience, reminding audiences that joy is most powerful when it’s created together.The cast brings energy and humor to the barnyard ensemble. Lydia Margitza’s Goose adds levity and sharp comic timing, while Jon Edward Cook’s Templeton the rat balances mischief with surprising vulnerability. David James and Jerome Schoolar ground the human characters with warmth, portraying Mr. Arable and Homer Zuckerman as steady presences in a story driven by empathy. Myk Garcia’s narration provides a clear through line, helping younger audience members follow the narrative while maintaining a tone that respects the intelligence of the room.
The alternating student cast of Liam Minor and Blair Morgan as Wilbur and Wiley Davis and Amelia Galido as Fern adds a layer of authenticity to the production. On opening night, Wilbur’s journey from fearful runt to beloved community member was portrayed with sincerity that never tipped into sentimentality. Fern’s unwavering kindness served as the emotional catalyst for everything that follows, reminding the audience that small acts of care can ripple outward in powerful ways.
Visually, the production is cohesive and inviting. Scenic designer Michael Krauss and scenic coordinator Austin Manning create a barnyard world that feels imaginative rather than literal, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the details. Costumes by Kerry Bechtel are playful and expressive without becoming distracting, and Rachel Atkinson’s lighting design subtly guides the emotional arc of the story. Sound design by Siegen Bretzke ensures that dialogue, music, and ambient moments blend seamlessly within the intimate space of The Kleberg.
Zach Theatre’s heartfelt interpretation of Charlotte’s Web isn't just a story on a stage; it’s a radiant invitation into a world where friendship is the ultimate magic, proving that the bonds we build are the true webs that hold us together across every generation.At just under an hour with no intermission, Charlotte’s Web moves briskly while still allowing key emotional moments to land. The pacing makes it accessible for younger audiences while giving adults space to reflect on the story’s deeper themes of mortality, legacy, and the enduring power of kindness. When Charlotte’s words appear in the web, the moment is met with a hush that speaks volumes about the production’s impact.
A Place Where Stories Belong: Zach Theater
This production also serves as a reminder of Zach Theater’s vital role in Austin’s cultural life. As the longest running professional theater in Texas, Zach has built a reputation for balancing artistic excellence with community engagement. The theater continues to be a welcoming space for audiences of all ages, offering accessibility accommodations and a commitment to inclusion that extends beyond the stage.
Founded more than a century ago, Zach Theater has evolved alongside the city itself. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Jamie Herlich, the organization employs hundreds of artists each year and serves tens of thousands of Central Texans through performances and education programs. Family Series productions like Charlotte’s Web reflect Zach’s belief that theater should be a place where everyone’s story can be seen and valued.
On opening night, that mission was evident in the audience. Families filled the seats alongside longtime theatergoers, and the shared experience of laughter, quiet reflection, and applause created a sense of connection that lingered well after the final bow.
Charlotte’s Web at Zach Theater is more than a retelling of a beloved story. It is a thoughtful, beautifully crafted production that trusts its audience, young and old, to engage with themes that are tender and profound. Through aerial artistry, live music, and heartfelt performances, the show reminds us that words matter, small voices matter, and friendship can take many forms.
For those seeking a theater experience that feels both timeless and alive, Charlotte’s Web offers a gentle but powerful reminder of why stories endure and why places like Zach Theater continue to matter in the life of the city.
Educational Enrichment and Engagement
To further enhance the experience for school groups and families, Zach Theatre has developed a comprehensive Enrichment Guide. This digital resource is designed to bridge the gap between the performance and the classroom, providing educators and parents with tools to explore the deeper themes of the play. The guide includes a wealth of interactive content, ranging from background information on the history of the story to specific activities that focus on literacy, science, and social emotional development. By exploring topics like the importance of words and the value of small voices, the guide ensures that the message of the play resonates long after the audience leaves the theater.
Tickets
Tickets for Charlotte’s Web start at $21 for youth and $31 for adults. The opening weekend features Pay What You Wish performances from February 13 through February 15, ensuring that the magic of the theater is accessible to all. The production runs through May 17, 2026, offering plenty of opportunities for the Austin community to experience this soaring, timeless tale of hope.
Charlotte's Web
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