By: Logan Tolbert, Contributing Writer

Photos by Alex Allen

The first theater production of the 2025-2026 school year has just happened. Theatre USA presents “Charlotte’s Web,” adapted to the stage by Joseph Robinette from the book of the same name by E.B. White. The opening performance was on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

The story takes place on a farm in a small U.S. town, following a pig named Wilbur, played by Quincy Smith, who is nearly killed for being the runt of the litter. Fortunately, he is saved, but only for the time being, as he is under threat again as he gets older. The other animals on the farm come up with an idea on how to save Wilbur from being killed.

Directed by Christina Johnson, this play has themes, such as friendship and sacrifice for your friends. The story is a fun one, with a shorter runtime when compared with other plays. The costumes, designed by costume designer and director Christina Johnson, offer fun and colorful designs that go well with the fact it is a children’s play.

The heart of this play really proved to be the aerial silks, which offered a unique visual experience. This play was many of the actors’ first experience with silks. For example, the character of Charlotte, played by Jada Holmes, performed with the silks throughout the play. The director and actors worked closely with a local aerial silks teacher, Katie Tillman, to learn the silks and prepare for the play.

The props, set, lights, and sound were other important parts of the play that really bring it to life. The props were partially made and gathered by the props master, Caden Crenshaw. The set was designed by the scenic designer Christina Johnson, who was also the director and costume designer. The lights and sound were designed by the lighting and sound designer Wes Genard.

The performances took place at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center onSeptember 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., with another performance on September 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. With a runtime of slightly over an hour and no intermissions, this play is family- friendly and has no age restrictions.

To stay up to date with Theatre USA and their future productions, you can follow them at @usatheatreanddance on Instagram, and look out for their next performance in the fall: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.