Original pen and ink artwork by Donna Stafford used with permission of Lost Nation Theater

By G. E. Shuman
You know, timing is everything, and mine is usually terrible when it comes to promoting local goings-on in this column. But, friends and neighbors, not this time. This time I have ample opportunity to announce and explain something that you really should get yourself to, in Montpelier, in about a week. And, this time, you also have ample time to get to it. Don’t worry, you don’t even need a sitter. In fact, it is important that you take the kids, and invite the sitter, too!

What I am suggesting you do is to attend one of the great performances by Lost Nation Theater, their own version of the wonderful EB White children’s story, Charlotte’s Web. The book Charlotte’s Web happens to be the bestselling children’s paperback book of all time, and with very good reason. It is a simply mesmerizing story that has been enjoyed and cherished over the years by people of all ages. White, himself, calls it a tale of friendship and salvation. The production is the culmination of Lost Nation’s summer Theater Production Camp, and promises to be just a wonderful experience for your family and mine.

I am encouraging you to join Wilbur, Fern, Charlotte, and all of your favorite characters in this LNT one-act adaptation incorporating choral speaking, physical theater, broad characterizations, and featuring original songs by none other than Lost Nation’s own multi-talented producing artistic director/actor/songwriter Kathleen Keenan. Keenan directs the production, along with her very talented colleague, Shawn Sturdevant, and the professional design team includes Ingrid Nielsen, Donna Stafford, Wendy Stephens, and Kris Weir. There are over a dozen student actors participating, ranging in age from 9 to 18. This is theater FOR kids, BY kids, and you and YOUR kids shouldn’t miss it.

Charlotte’s Web will be performed at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11 at the Montpelier City Hall Arts Center, 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children 11 and under, including toddlers. For more information and tickets call 802-229-0492 or visit www.lostnationtheater.org. Remember, I told you in plenty of time, this time. Enjoy!