‘Charlotte’s Web’ wraps this weekend at FAA

With the last weekend in February comes the last chance to catch “Charlotte’s Web” at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby.

FAA’s Yarnell Youth Theatre Company performs this production, which was adopted by Joseph Robinette and based on the book by E.B. White, as directed by Sandy K. Peck.

Performances remain for “Charlotte’s Web” on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 29 and March 1 at 2 p.m. A sign interpreted performance will be presented for the final performance on March 1.

Tickets for all shows are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students 11 and older, and $10 for children 10 and younger. Group rates are available.

Purchase tickets by visiting FineArtsAssociation. org or by calling 440-9517500, ext. 100.

Featured in the extended cast are Jasmine Addie (Sheep), Celia Aldom (ensemble), Maggie Andrus (ensemble), Noni Arndt (ensemble), Olivia Cline (ensemble), Adam Cogan (ensemble), Emily Cogan (gosling), Kara Cogan (ensemble), Madison Ferrell (Charlotte), Kiera Fortney (ensemble), Ella Gifford (Fern), Makenna Hagan (Templeton), Charlie Halapy (gosling), Maddie Halapy (Wilbur), Glory Hamilton (gosling), Justice Hamilton (ensemble), Lucas Hamilton (Mr. Arable),

Kai Harris (gosling), Haylie Kalina (ensemble), Jackson Kalina (gosling), Emma KovachUzl (Goose), Luke Lanning (Gander), Mason Mager (Homer Zuckerman), Ryan McCandless (Avery), Sienna McCormick (Lamb), Owen Medved (ensemble), Peter Meros (Lurvy), Elle Ramos (Mrs. Arable), Jenna Rickard (ensemble), Shelby Segall (Edith Zuckerman), Carmella Somich (ensemble), Katie Stevenson (ensemble), Hannah Stroberg (ensemble), Caleb Sweet (gosling), Isabelle Thomas (ensemble), Oliver Young (gosling), Emily Zivko (ensemble).

Madison Ferrell is the 15-year-old sophomore from Mayfield High School who plays the title character, Charlotte. She enjoys participating in her school Dance Team, Show Choir, and Student Council.

Ella Gifford is a 12-yearold seventh-grader from Willoughby who attends the School of Innovation. She enjoys piano, taking voice lessons, presenting the Video News at school, and lots of community theater.

“I play the character of Fern Arable in ‘Charlotte’s Web,’” Ella says. “Fern has an important role in the story because she is the first one who saves Wilbur’s life as a little pig.

“She stops her father from doing away with the little runt,” she continued. “By expressing the fright and sadness of Wilbur’s looming death, she eventually is able to convince her father not to kill Wilbur.”

Ella has appeared in a number of productions at the Fine Arts Association, including “Willy Wonka,” “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Annie,” and “Honk!”

She has also appeared in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at Rabbit Run Theater, and “Peter Pan” at Geauga Lyric Theater Guild.

“I believe that the message of this show is that you should never judge a book by its cover,” Ella says. “Wilbur is believed to be a small, worthless runt, but he grows to have a large personality. You would’ve never known that he was a small runt as a baby.

“I am helping to tell this story because Fern helps convince her parents and other family that Wilbur is a special pig despite his size.”

One more weekend to catch the excitement in the Fine Arts Association barnyard.

Do you have a production you wish to see featured? E-mail stevecouch@ windstream.net.