Charlotte’s Web Opens in Hillsboro

The Harmony Theater, formerly Myers Dinner Theatre, brings the beloved children’s classic ‘Charlotte’s Web’ to the stage. This play, adapted from the book by E.B. White, is directed by Rebecca Lea and runs April 4-19.

The Children’s Literature Association named this “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the “miracle” of her web in which she writes, “Some pig.” It’s the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.

Returning alumni to this production are Samantha Bagdon (as Charlotte), Austin Michael Russell (as Templeton), Greta Shambarger (as Fern Arable); along with Victoria Behny (Narrator), Don Hart (Homer Zuckerman) Eli Miller (Lurvy) and Teresa Ross (Edith Zuckerman). New to the Harmony stage is Haley Iverson (as Wilbur); along with Gabrielle Beerbower (Lamb), Alexia Daniels (Goose), Nate Marcum (John Arable), Clarissa McCullough (Martha Arable), Lexy Perez (Sheep), Gabe Reynolds (Avery Arable) and Sean Stiers (Gander).

“Charlotte’s Web” will feature a menu inspired by fair favorites and Indiana 4-H-winning recipes featured in the 1999 Indiana 4-H Foundation Cookbook, “Picnics, Potlucks, and Prizewinners.” Selections from this cookbook will include: Hoosier meatloaf, buttermilk chicken, gourmet mashed potatoes, classic macaroni and cheese, peanut butter magic cookies and pineapple upside down cake. Pork chops (a staple at the Indiana State Fair), creamy corn and green beans will also be on the menu. As usual, all meals will begin with house salad, fresh-baked homemade rolls and the signature broccoli salad – a tradition passed down by Richard and Donna Myers.

More information on the 2025 Season and “Charlotte’s Web” can be found at the theater’s new website, theharmonytheater.com.

Tickets for all events may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 765-798-4902, ext. 2, or by visiting theharmonytheater.com.

For certain performance days, meal and show times will be changing for 2025. Wednesday matinee seating for meals will remain at 11:30 a.m. with curtain at 1:30 p.m. Friday and selected Saturday evening performances will now have seating for meals at 5:30 p.m. with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Saturday matinees will have seating for meals at 11:30 a.m. with curtain at 1:30 p.m. Sunday matinees will still have seating for meals at noon and curtain at 2 p.m.

Performance dates and times can vary, so consult the online calendar for updated information. Regular theater prices are $59.54 for dinner and show, $47.50 for students (ages 4-18), and show-only for $39.50. Prices do not include taxes, handling fees or gratuity for waitstaff. Season tickets, group pricing and bus parking are also available. The Harmony Theater (formerly Myers Dinner Theatre) is located at 108 Water St., Hillsboro and is handicapped accessible.