CHARLOTTE’S WEB

Adapted from the book

By E.B. White

By Joseph Robinette

Edited for Northern Stage’s YES Jr. 2020

by Eric Love, Maya Small, & Hayden Christensen

Page 1
 CHARACTERS
PRINCIPLES
FERN ARABLE a young girl
HOMER ZUCKERMAN her uncle
EDITH ZUCKERMAN her aunt
WILBER a pig
TEMPLETON a rat
CHARLOTTE a spider
GOOSE a farm animal
GANDER a farm animal
SHEEP a farm animal
LAMB a farm animal

ENSEMBLE
JOHN ARABLE her father
MARTHA ARABLE her mother
REPORTER extra
PHOTOGRAPHER extra
SPECTATORS extra
JUDGES extra
FAIRGOERS extra
ANNOUNCER extra
UNCLE (a pig) extra
SPIDERS extra

TIME: ​The Present and the Past.

PLACE: ​The Arable farm; the Zuckerman Farm; the County Fair

Page 2
 ACT ONE
Prologue Speak Chorus
[SCENE: An open space in a farmyard. In darkness, the sounds of a farm
just before daybreak are heard: crickets, hoot owls, whippoorwills, etc.
The sounds may be on tape or produced “live” offstage by the actors. The
lights come up faintly as the CHORUS enters or is revealed onstage.]
FIRST MEMBER
[to the audience] ​Shh! Listen to the sounds of the morning. Very, very early morning. So
early, in fact, the sun isn’t even up yet.
SECOND MEMBER
Listen to the crickets… the hoot-owls… a frog down by the pond… a dog up at the next
farm.
THIRD MEMBER
And today there’s another sound. It tells that something exciting happened during the
night. Some brand-new pigs were born during the night.
[The squealing of young pigs is heard.]
FERN
Where’s Papa going with that ax?
MRS. ARABLE
Out to the hoghouse. Some pigs were born last night.
FERN
I don’t see why he needs an ax.
MRS. ARABLE
​ o, your father has decided to
Well, one of the pigs is a runt. It’s very small and weak. ​ S
do away with it.
FERN
Papa, you can’t kill it just because it’s smaller than the others.

Page 3
 ARABLE
Fern, I know more about raising a litter of pigs than you do. A weakling makes trouble.
Now run along!
FERN
​ his is the most terrible
But it’s unfair. The pig couldn’t help being born small could it?​ T
case of injustice I ever heard of.
ARABLE
Oh...all right. I’ll let you take care of it for a little while.
FERN
Thank you, Papa.
MRS. ARABLE
You can start him on a bottle, like a baby.
FERN
My very own pig. Now, I have to name you. A perfect name for a pig. ​ [She thinks for a
moment.] ​Let’s see...Barney, Herman, Lawrence, Newton, Morris, Warren, Willie,
Wilbur, Williom…​ ​Willll-bur. Wilbur! What a beautiful name!
FIRST MEMBER
Wilbur.
SECOND MEMBER
Wilbur.
THIRD MEMBER
Wilbur.
FIRST MEMBER
Fern loved Wilbur more than anything.
SECOND MEMBER
Every morning, as soon as she got up, she warmed his milk, tied his bib on, and warmed
his bottle for him.

Page 4
 THIRD MEMBER
After breakfast, Wilbur always walked out to the road with Fern and waited till her bus
came.
FERN
Now you be a good boy until I get home.
FIRST MEMBER
Every day was a happy day for Wilbur.
SECOND MEMBER
And every night was peaceful.
THIRD MEMBER
He was very contented living with Fern and the Arable family.
MRS. ARABLE
Wilbur, you’re getting big enough to have something besides just milk. Try this bowl of
cornmeal mush and honey.
FIRST MEMBER
No longer was Wilbur a runt.
SECOND MEMBER
He was growing each day.
THIRD MEMBER
He was becoming quite a specimen of a pig.
ARABLE
Okay, pig, it’s time you graduated to slops. Skim milk, potato skins, leftover sandwiches
and marmalade dripping.
FIRST MEMBER
Before long, Wilber was five weeks old.
​SECOND MEMBER
He was big.
THIRD MEMBER
And strong.

Page 5
 CHORUS
And ready to be sold.
FERN
No Papa, you can’t sell him. You just can’t.
ARABLE
He’s eating too much. I can’t provide for him any longer. I’ve already sold Wilbur’s ten
brothers and sisters.
FERN
Oh, Wilber. Wilber!
MRS. ARABLE
Listen, everybody. I have a suggestion. Why don’t we call the Zuckermans? Your Uncle
Homer sometimes raises pigs. And if Wilbur goes there to live, you can walk down the
road and visit him anytime you like.
FERN
Oh, yes. Please, Papa.
ARABLE
That’s not a bad idea, Martha. Come along. We’ll call Uncle Homer.

Page 6
 Act 1, Scene 1
​ OMER
[The scene shifts to the Zucerman barn. A moment later H
ZUCKERMAN e​ nters with his wife, ​EDITH.​ ​HOMER ​carries a pig
trough.]
EDITH
Homer Zuckerman, I want to know where you plan to keep that pig.
HOMER
​ ight over here in the barn, Edith.
[Setting the trough down.] R
EDITH
Well, I just hope that this pig’s not going to be more trouble than it’s worth.
HOMER
Now, I couldn’t turn down Fern, could I? She seemed so desperate. Anyways, she only
asked six dollars for it. When the pig is good enough to slaughter, he’ll be worth a lot
more than six dollars.
FERN
[Offstage.] ​Uncle Homer! Aunt Edith!
EDITH
Here they are.
[​FERN ​enters with W
​ ILBUR​.]
FERN
Hi. This is Wilbur.
HOMER
[Laughing.] ​Oh, he has a name, does he?
EDITH
Fern, honey, I just opened a big can of peaches. You come in and have a dish with us.
FERN
Okay, thanks. But let me stay with Wilbur just for a minute… till he gets used to his
​ DITH ​and H
surroundings. ​[ E ​ OMER e​ xit. For a moment F
​ ERN a
​ nd ​WILBUR​ look

Page 7
about.] I​ t’s very nice here Wilbur. ​[W
​ ILBUR ​smiles.] ​And I can come down and visit
​ ILBUR s​ miles.] N
you almost every day. ​[W ​ ow I’d better go. I’ll see you tomorrow.

​ ERN​ exits.]
[They wave to each other as F
WILBUR
It’s a very large barn. And old, I’ll bet. I like the smell. Hay and manure. Horses and
cows. It has a peaceful smell… as though nothing bad could happen ever again in the
world.
[He yawns, lies down, and closes his eyes. A moment later a ​GOOSE
​ ANGER. ​They circle ​WILBUR,​ studying him
enter, followed by a G
carefully. ]
GOOSE
Hello, hello, hello.
WILBUR
[ A bit startled.] ​Who… who are you?
GOOSE
The Goose.
WILBUR
Oh. Hi, Goose.
GOOSE
This is my friend, the Gander, Gander, Gander.
WILBUR
But I only see one Gander. You introduced me to three.
GOOSE
No, no, no.
GANDER
We tend to repeat, repeat, repeat, ourselves.
GOOSE
Do you have a name… besides “pig?”

Page 8
 WILBUR
Yes. They call me Wilbur.
TEMPLETON
​ ilbur? That’s a pretty tacky name, if you ask me.
[offstage] W
GOOSE
Well, nobody, nobody, nobody asked you.
GANDER
Templeton, the rat.
[​TEMPLETON,​ the rat, enters. He carries string, a tin can, and an
orange.]
TEMPLETON
In person. ​[​HE ​stares at W
​ ILBUR.​ ] ​Well, I will admit it’s nice to have a pig around
the place again. I haven’t had delicious, leftover slops for an age.
WILBUR
But, the slops for me.
TEMPLETON
I’m sure you’ll find it in your charitable little heart to share your food with dear old
Templeton. Especially if I make a nest right here besides your trough.
[He arranges the staw at one side of the trough and buries the string,
can, and orange.]
SHEEP
​ hat’s all the commotion in here?
[offstage.] W
GANDER
It’s the old, old Sheep.
GOOSE
And the little, little Lamb.
​ HEEP a
[The S ​ nd ​LAMB e​ nter.]
GANDER
We have a new resident.

Page 9
 GOOSE
His name is Wilbur.
LAMB
[Unenthused.] ​Oh, yeah. The pig.
WILBUR
You know about me?
SHEEP
We overheard the Zuckermans discussing you. They plan to keep you nice and
comfortable.
LAMB
And fatten you up with delicious slops.
WILBUR
​ h, I am going to like it here.
[Delighted.] O
SHEEP
Just the same, we don’t envy you. You know why they want to make you fat and tender,
don’t you?
WILBUR
No, I don’t
GOOSE
Now, now, now, old Sheep. He’ll learn soon enough.
WILBUR
Learn what?
SHEEP
[After a beat.] ​Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. Nice to meet you… Wilbur. Lamb, mind your
manners.
LAMB
​ ice...to...meet...you...Wilbur.
[Not meaning it.] N
WILBUR
[A bit concerned.] ​My pleasure, I’m sure.

Page 10
 GOOSE
Well, I have eggs to hatch.
TEMPLETON
And I have trash piles to raid.
GANDER
Good, good, good night, Wilbur. Better get some rest after such a long day.
WILBUR
​ OOSE, GANDER, SHEEP, LAMB, a
Yes, thank you, I will. ​[G ​ nd​ TEMPLETON
​ he animals are nice… I think. But I’m not sure about Templeton. ​[A beat.] A
exits.] T ​ nd
I’m a little trifle concerned about the old Sheep’s remark. ​[Slightly imitating the
​ oice.] “​ You know why they want to make you fat and tender, don’t
SHEEP’S v
you?”...Well, I’m not going to worry about it just now. I’m much too tired.
[​HE​ yawns, lies down, and closes his eyes. The lights dim.
CHARLOTTE, ​a spider, comes out from behind the web. She is attached
​ ILBUR​ and smiles.]
to it by a long line. She carefully creeps over to W
CHARLOTTE
​ o to sleep,Wilbur. Go to sleep, little pig.
[Quietly.] G
[​SHE​ crosses back upstage and disappears behind the web. W
​ ILBUR
continues to sleep in the dim light.

Page 11
 Rainy Day Speak Chorus
​ HORUS ​enters. There are noises of thunder, lightning, and rain.
[The C
​ HORUS.​ The lights come up
These may be done offstage or by the C
slowly as ​WILBUR ​stirs.]
WILBUR
Oh, no. Morning already. And it’s raining. In my dreams, I had made such grand plans
for today. Let’s see.
FIRST MEMBER
Six-thirty.
WILBUR
Breakfast.
SECOND MEMBER
Seven o’ clock.
WILBUR
A nap indoors.
THIRD MEMBER
Eight o’ clock
WILBUR
​ e i​ s dejected.] I​ n the sun.
A nap outdoors. ​[H
FIRST MEMBER
Nine o’ clock.
WILBUR
Dig a hole.
SECOND MEMBER
Ten o’ clock.
WILBUR
Fill up the hole.
THIRD MEMBER
Eleven o’ clock

Page 12
 WILBUR
Just stand still and watch the flies. And the bees and the swallows.
FIRST MEMBER
Twelve noon.
WILBUR
Lunch.
SECOND MEMBER
One o’ clock.
WILBUR
Sleep.
THIRD MEMBER
Two o’ clock.
WILBUR
Scratch itchy places by rubbing against the fence.
FIRST MEMBER
Three o’ clock.
WILBUR
A visit from Fern.
SECOND MEMBER
Four o’ clock.
WILBUR
Supper. And four thirty on…
CHORUS
Free time!
WILBUR
​ ight. I get everything all beautifully planned out, and it has to go and rain.
[Moaning.] R
[There is one final outburst of thunder and lightning, then the ​CHORUS e​ xits.]

Page 13
 Act 1, Scene 2
WILBUR
I’m lonesome. And I know Fern won’t come in such bad weather. Oh, honestly. I’m less
than two months old, and already tired of living. I want love. I want a friend. Someone
who will play with me.
CHARLOTTE
​ o you want a friend, Wilbur? I’ll be a friend to you.
[Offstage.] D
WILBUR
​ lease tell me where you are if you are my
Where are you? And who are you? ​[A pause.] P
​ HARLOTTE ​enters.]
friend. ​[C
CHARLOTTE
Salutations.
WILBUR
[Excitedly.] ​Oh, hello. What are salutations?
CHARLOTTE
It’s a fancy way of saying “hello.”
WILBUR
Oh. And salutations to you, too. Very pleased to meet you. May I have your name?
CHARLOTTE
​ harlotte A. Cavatica. I’m a spider.
My name is Charlotte.​ C
WILBUR
I think you’re beautiful.
CHARLOTTE
Thank you.
WILBUR
Your web is beautiful, too.
CHARLOTTE
It’s my home. I know it looks fragile. But it’s really very strong. It protects me. And I
trap my food in it.

Page 14
 WILBUR
I’m so happy you’ll be my friend. In fact, it restores my appetite. ​[He begins to eat.] ​Will
you join me?
CHARLOTTE
No, thank you. My breakfast is waiting for me on the other side of my web.
WILBUR
Oh. What are you having?
CHARLOTTE
A fly. I caught it this morning.
WILBUR
[Choking] ​ You eat...flies?
CHARLOTTE
And bugs. Actually, I drink their blood.
WILBUR
Ugh!
CHARLOTTE
That’s the way I’m made. I can’t help it. Anyway, if I didn’t catch insects and eat them,
there would soon be so many they’d destroy the earth, wipe out everything.
WILBUR
Really? I wouldn’t want that to happen.
CHARLOTTE
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have my breakfast.
[She exits behind the web.]
WILBUR
​ ell, I’ve got a new friend, all right. But Charlotte is...brutal, I
[with uncertainty.] W
think. And bloodthirsty.
[He glances back at the web, then lies down.]

Page 15
 Spring Into Summer Speak Chorus
​ HORUS​ enter.]
[The C
FIRST MEMBER
Wilbur was suffering the doubts and fears that often go with finding a new friend.
SECOND MEMBER
But as the days passed by, he slowly discovered that Charlotte had a kind heart and that
she was loyal and true.
THIRD MEMBER
Spring soon became summer.
FIRST MEMBER
The early summer days are a jubilee for birds.
SECOND MEMBER
The early summer days on the farm are the happiest and fairest of the year. Lilacs and
apple blossoms bloom. The days grow warm and soft. And now that school was over,
Fern could visit the barn almost every day.

Page 16
 Act 1, Scene 3
[​FERN​ enters as the A
​ NIMALS,​ except the ​GOOSE​, enter and greet her
with animal sounds which soon give way to clear voices.]
FERN
Hi, everybody! Wilbur, here’s a little piece of pineapple-upside-down cake for you.
[​WILBUR​ applauds takes the cake, and begins to eat.] M
​ ay I stay and visit for a little
while?
[​WILBUR ​nods vigorously and the other ​ANIMALS​ agree.]
CHARLOTTE
Attention, everyone. I have an announcement. After four weeks of unremitting effort on
​ LL​ act excited as the
the part of our friend, the Goose, the Goslings have arrived. ​[A
Goslings​ chirp offstage.] A
​ nd here comes the proud mother.
​ OOSE​ flutters in as A
[The G ​ LL a
​ pplaud.]
GOOSE
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
[She bows and embraces the ​GANDER.​ ]
GANDER
We’re pleased as we can be, be, be.
WILBUR
[looking offstage.] ​How many Goslings are there?
GOOSE
Seven.
TEMPLETON
I thought there were eight eggs. What happened to the other egg?
GOOSE
It didn’t hatch. It was a dud, I guess.
TEMPLETON
Can I have it?

Page 17
 GOOSE
Certainly, -ertainly, -ertainly. Add it to your nasty collection.
[​TEMPLETON e​ xits.]
FERN
Oh, Wilbur, I have some good news. Uncle Homer and Aunt Edith seem glad that you’re
putting on weight.
[​WILBUR ​beams.]
LAMB
Sure they are.
SHEEP
And you know why, don’t you?
WILBUR
You asked me that once before, but you didn’t tell me why.
GOOSE
Now, now, now old Sheep.
SHEEP
He has to know sometime.
WILBUR
Know what?
SHEEP
Wilbur, I don’t like to spread bad news. But they’re fattening you up because they’re
going to kill you.
WILBUR
[dismayed.] ​They’re going to what?
[​FERN i​ s rigid on her stool.]
SHEEP
Kill you. Turn you into smoked bacon and ham. It’ll happen when the weather turns
cold. It’s the regular conspiracy.

Page 18
 WILBUR
Stop! I don’t want to die. I want to stay with all my friends. I want to breathe in the
beautiful air and lie in the beautiful sun.
LAMB
You’re certainly making a beautiful noise.
WILBUR
But I don’t want to die.
CHARLOTTE
Wilbur, quiet down. ​[a beat as ​WILBUR ​tries to control himself.] ​You shall not die.
WILBUR
What? Who’s going to save me?
CHARLOTTE
I am.
WILBUR
How?
CHARLOTTE
I’m afraid that remains to be seen.
FERN
Thank you, Charlotte, for whatever it is you’re going to do to save Wilbur.
[Fern exits.]
WILBUR
Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
Yes.
WILBUR
Were you serious when you promised you would keep them from killing me?
CHARLOTTE
I’ve never been more serious in my life.

Page 19
 WILBUR
How are you going to save me?
CHARLOTTE
Well, I really don’t know. But I want you to get plenty of sleep and stop worrying.
[​WILBUR ​stretches out on the straw as the lights begin to dim.]
WILBUR
Okay. Good night, Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
Good night, Wilbur.
[A pause.]
WILBUR
Thank you, Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE
​ ILBUR ​falls asleep.] ​What to do. What
Good night. ​ [The barn is now in shadows. W
to do. The way to save Wilbur is to play a trick on Zuckerman. If I can fool a bug, I can
surely fool a man. People are not as smart as bugs. ​[A beat.] ​ [​ S
​ HE​ chants.]​ ​Swing
spinnerets. Let out the thread. The longer it gets, the better it’s read.​ ​[She​ b
​ egins to
“write” with elaborate movements, through her actions are deliberately
​ tta girl. Attach. Pay out line. Descend. Complete the curve. Easy
indistinguishable. ] A
now. That’s it. Back up. Take your time. Now tie it off. Good. ​ ​The message is spun. I’ve
​ HE​ steps aside as a
come to the end. The job that I’ve done is all for my friend. ​[S
special light reveals the words “Some Pig” written in the web. ​SHE​ reads aloud.]
​ HE​ smiles. S
Some pig. ​[S ​ HE​ exits behind the web.]

Page 20
 Act 1, Scene 4
[The lights begin to brighten and a rooster crows. ​WILBUR ​stirs. H
​ E​ is
having a bad dream.]
WILBUR
No, no. Please don’t. Stop! ​[​HE​ wakes up.] ​Oh, my goodness. That was a terrible
dream. There were men with guns and knives coming out here to take me away.
[​HOMER e​ nters with a bucket. W
​ ILBUR r​ etreats slightly.]
HOMER
​ E s​ ets
Here you go, pig. Breakfast. Leftover pancakes, half a doughnut, stale toast. ​[H
​ bsolutely de...de… ​[H
the bucket down.] A ​ E ​sees the writing in the web.] ​What’s that?
​ e ​calls offstage.] ​Edith! Edith! I think you’d better come out to
I’m seeing things. ​[H
the pig pen quick!
[​HE ​exits hurriedly.]
WILBUR
[unaware of the writing in the web.] ​What did he see? There’s nothing here but me.
[​HE ​feels himself.] ​That’s it! He saw me! He saw that I’m big and healthy and… and
ready to be made into...ham.
EDITH
[from offstage.] ​Now, Homer, what could be so important that you had to drag me out
here before I’ve finished-
HOMER
[from offstage.] ​Look! This is what I wanted to show you.
[​HE ​points to the web. ​ALL​ stare at it for a moment. W
​ ILBUR a
​ nd the
ANIMALS ​look, too.]
​ miracle has happened on this farm.
[amazed.] A
EDITH
I don’t believe it! “Some Pig.”
[​WILBUR ​begins to regain his confidence.]

Page 21
 HOMER
It’s clear we have no ordinary pig.
EDITH
It seems to me we have no ordinary spider.
HOMER
Edith, let’s call the minister and tell him about the miracle. I’m taking him to the County
Fair! If he can win a blue ribbon, I guarantee we’ll never make bacon and ham out of
him. ​[​HOMER​ and E
​ DITH e​ xits as W
​ ILBUR r​ ises and sits happily on a barrel or
​ NIMALS c​ heer, applaud, and congratulate ​CHARLOTTE.​ ]
box near the web. The A
WILBUR
Thank you Charlotte. You’re the best friend a pig ever had.
CHARLOTTE
​ ome pig.
[smiling to herself.] S
WILBUR
Did you hear that, everybody? The County Fair. That means I would get to live for at
least another month.
GOOSE
And maybe, maybe, maybe, longer.
GANDER
If you win the blue, blue, blue ribbon.
WILBUR
You’ll go to the fair with me, won’t you Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
I don’t know. The Fair comes at a bad time for me. That’s when I’ll be making my egg
sac and filling it with eggs.
WILBUR
You could lay your eggs at the Fair.

Page 22
 GOOSE
Templeton would need to go to the Fair, too. Somebody, somebody, somebody has to
run errands and do general work.
TEMPLETON
I’m staying right here. I haven’t the slightest interest in Fairs.
SHEEP
That’s because you’ve never been to one. A Fair is a rat’s paradise. Everybody spills food
at a Fair, popcorn, frozen custard, candy apples.
TEMPLETON
Stop! That’s enough! You’ve twisted my whiskers. I’ll go.
[​ALL​ applaud.]
WILBUR
Will you come with me Charlotte? Please.
CHARLOTTE
​ ow may I ask everybody to kindly leave? This
I’m not sure. I’m just not sure. ​[a beat.] N
day has been exhausting, and I must rest.
SHEEP
Of course, Charlotte. Come on, Lamb.
TEMPLETON
I’ll admit she’s earned a little peace and quiet.
GOOSE
Me, me, me too.
GANDER
Ditto, ditto, ditto.
WILBUR
I’ll be out in the sun taking a nap, Charlotte.
[​ALL,​ except ​CHARLOTTE, e​ xit.]

Page 23
 CHARLOTTE
I know I won’t be able to help Wilbur much longer. I’ll have to lay my eggs soon, and I
​ ut I’ll
do want them to hatch right here in the barn where it’s warm and safe. ​[a beat.] B
take a chance. I will go to the Fair with Wilbur.

Page 24
 ACT TWO
Fair Speak Chorus
[SCENE: The stage is empty. After a moment, the CHORUS enters. As
they speak, they rearrange the “furnishings” from the barn to suggest an
area in the livestock locale at the Fair, specifically Willbur’s pen and
ample passage room around it. The UR web is removed and another
hung UL.]
FIRST MEMBER
The days of summer drifted on.
SECOND MEMBER
Before long, summer was almost gone.
THIRD MEMBER
The end of summer brings many things. Late harvesting. Thoughts of school. And the
County Fair. [​Carnival music is heard.]
FIRST MEMBER
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Ride the giant Ferris wheel. Only ten cents. One
thin dime. You can see the whole county from the top of the giant Ferris wheel.
SECOND MEMBER
Right over here, fellows. Win a genuine Navajo blanket. Knock down three cloth cats
with three regulation baseballs, and you’re a winner every time.
THIRD MEMBER
Come one, come all! Foot-long hot dogs, giant hamburgers, and french fried potatoes.
CHORUS
At the Fair. At the Fair. At the Fair.

Page 25
 Act 2, Scene 1
[​EDITH​ enters with a sponge and a large jar of buttermilk to give
WILBUR​ a bath. ​HOMER, ​and​ FERN ​enter.]
FERN
[yelling offstage] ​We’re back!
HOMER
​ DITH​, who has begun to bathe ​WILBUR​] ​What are you doing, Edith?
[To E
EDITH
Giving the pig a buttermilk sponge bath.
FERN
Scrub Wilbur up real good, Aunt Edith. He’s got to win that blue ribbon tomorrow.
[​FERN​ exits. H
​ OMER p
​ roduces a sign reading: “Zuckerman’s Famous Pig.”]
HOMER
We’ll set this sign right here so everybody will know this is the pig they’ve been hearing
about. ​[He props the sign up next to Wilbur’s pen.]​ “Zuckerman’s Famous Pig.”​ ​It’s
great to be at the Fair, isn’t it? I’m nearly as excited as Fern. Let’s go look at the new
tractors, Edith.
[​HOMER a
​ nd​ EDITH ​exit.]
[​TEMPLETON​ appears from behind a crate or box. ​CHARLOTTE
enters from behind the web.]
TEMPLETON
I thought they’d never leave. It’s easier for a rat to hide in a barn than out in the open
like this. Well, I think I’ll do a little exploring.
CHARLOTTE
Please bring me back a word, Templeton.
TEMPLETON
I’ll do what I can. ​[He exits.]

Page 26
 CHARLOTTE
If I don’t write something, I’m sure Wilbur will have a difficult time winning that blue
​ ILBUR.​ ] H
ribbon.​ [She looks the sleeping W ​ e’s a cute little pig, and smart. But I’m sure
there will be bigger pigs here.
[​UNCLE,​ a large pig, enters sniffing around. A moment later, he sees
CHARLOTTE​.]
UNCLE
Hi, there.
CHARLOTTE
May I have your name?
UNCLE
No name. Just call me Uncle.
CHARLOTTE
Very well… Uncle. You’re rather large. Are you a spring pig?
UNCLE
Sure, I’m a spring pig. What did you think I was, a spring chicken? Haw, haw, that was a
good one. Eh, sister?
CHARLOTTE
Mildly funny. I’ve heard funnier ones, though. What are you doing over here?
UNCLE
They’re still working on my pen.​ ​But I thought I’d wander around and look at the
competition. ​[He looks down at ​WILBUR​.] ​Well, no problem here. From what I’ve
seen so far, I’ve got that blue ribbon all sewed up. But I won’t ​needle y​ ou about it. Get it?
Haw, haw. Well, better be getting back. I’ve got to get spiffy for the crowds that will be
​ ILBUR​ wakes up.]
coming to admire me. So long sister. ​[As he exits, W
WILBUR
[drowsily]​ Oh, hi, Charlotte. Where is everybody?
CHARLOTTE
Off to see the Fair.

Page 27
 WILBUR
Did I hear you talking to someone?
CHARLOTTE
A pig that’s staying next door.
WILBUR
Is he better than me? I mean… bigger?
CHARLOTTE
I’m afraid he is much bigger.
WILBUR
Oh, no.
CHARLOTTE
But he has a most unattractive personality. Oh, he’s going to be hard pig to beat on
account of his size and weight. But with me helping you, it can be done.
[​TEMPLETON​ enters carrying an article town from a newspaper.]
TEMPLETON
[handing it to ​CHARLOTTE]​ ​ Well, here’s your order. “Humble.” ​[He spells it out.]
H-u-m-b-l-e.
CHARLOTTE
Humble has two meanings. It means “not proud” and it means “close to the ground.”
That’s Wilbur all over.
TEMPLETON
Well, I hope you’re satisfied. I’m not going to spend all my time delivering papers. I
came to this Fair to enjoy myself.
CHARLOTTE
You’ve been very helpful, Templeton. You may run along now.
TEMPLETON
I’m going to make a night of it. The old sheep was right. This Fair is a rat’s paradise.
What eating! What drinking! ‘Bye, ‘bye, my humble Wilbur. Fare thee well, Charlotte,
you old scheme! This will be a night to remember in a rat’s life. ​[He exits.]

Page 28
 CHARLOTTE
I don’t have much strength left. And tonight I have ​another j​ ob to do.
WILBUR
Is it something for me?
CHARLOTTE
No. It’s something for ​me f​ or a change.
WILBUR
Please tell me what it is.
CHARLOTTE
[As the lights fade further]​ I’ll show you in the morning.
[Fireworks are heard in the background.]
WILBUR
Listen. It’s the fireworks.
​ ILBUR l​ isten for a moment.]
[She and W
WILBUR
This is the first night I’ve ever spent away from home. ​[A pause.]​ I’m glad you’re with
me, Charlotte. I never feel lonely when you’re near.
CHARLOTTE
Thank you.
WILBUR
Even if I don’t win the blue ribbon… and the worst happens… I will never forget you.
CHARLOTTE
That’s very nice of you to stay. Now, go to sleep.
WILBUR
Good night. ​[​WILBUR​ stretches out and goes to sleep.]

Page 29
 Humble Speak Chorus
​ HORUS​ enters.]
[The C
FIRST MEMBER
Before long, Wilbur was asleep.
SECOND MEMBER
Charlotte could tell by the sound of his breathing that he was sleeping peacefully in the
straw.​ [​CHARLOTTE​ goes to her web and, with her back turned, begins to work.]
THIRD MEMBER
By now, the Fair was quiet, and the people were gone. It was a good time for Charlotte to
work.
FIRST MEMBER
Though she was very tired, she worked quickly, for she had yet another job to do.
SECOND MEMBER
Before long, she finished writing in the web.
CHARLOTTE
[slowly] ​The message is spun. I’ve come to the end. The job than I’ve done is all for my
friend.
THIRD MEMBER
After she had written the new word in the web, she moved on to another project.
[​CHARLOTTE​ moves away from the web slightly. Though she is largely
obscured by the dim lights, her movements are now very elaborate and
mysterious.]
FIRST MEMBER
​ HARLOTTE​ climbs up and sticks an egg sac high
It carried her far into the night. ​[C
up on the wall, then collapses.]
SECOND MEMBER
When she was finally finished, she was exhausted, and she fell into a deep, deep sleep.

Page 30
 THIRD MEMBER
The first light of the next morning revealed the word in Charlotte’s web. ​[A light
illuminated the word “Humble.” The other lights come up slowly.]
SECOND MEMBER
It was very early when the judges came around to determine the winners of the blue
ribbons.
​ UDGES ​enter silently. They observe the sleeping ​WILBUR,​
[Three J
write on a scoresheet, then exit in the direction of Uncle’s pen.]
THIRD MEMBER
The blazing orange sun slowly began to rise on the most important day of Wilbur’s life.

Page 31
 Act 2, Scene 2
[​WILBUR​ wakes up and sees the web.]
WILBUR
Oh, look! There’s the new word. Charlotte, Charlotte! You’ve done it again!
CHARLOTTE
[waking up]​ “Humble.” It fits you perfectly.
WILBUR
​ nd what’s that object up there? It looks like cotton candy. Did
[looking at the egg sac] A
you make it?
CHARLOTTE
I did, indeed. It’s my egg sac. There are Five hundred and fourteen eggs.
WILBUR
You’re kidding. Are you really going to have five hundred and fourteen children?
CHARLOTTE
[with a touch of sadness]​ If nothing happens, yes. Of course, they won’t show up till
next spring.
WILBUR
You don’t seem very happy about this.
CHARLOTTE
I guess I feel sad because… I won’t ever see my children.
WILBUR
Of ​course​ you will. We’ll ​all s​ ee them.
CHARLOTTE
Wilbur, I don’t feel good at all. My eggs and I may not make it back to the barn.
WILBUR
Charlotte, don’t say that.
CHARLOTTE
Now stop worrying about me. This is your big day today. I’m sure you’ll win.

Page 32
 TEMPLETON
[offstage]​ What a night!
[​TEMPLETON​ enters. His stomach is bloated.]
What a night! What feasting and carousing. A real gorge. I must have eaten the remains
of thirty lunches. Oh, it was rich, my friends, rich! ​[He emits a loud, satisfied sigh.]
CHARLOTTE
You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You’ll probably have an attack of acute indigestion.
TEMPLETON
Don’t worry about me. Wilbur’s the one you should be worrying about.
CHARLOTTE
What do you mean?
TEMPLETON
I’ve got some bad news for you. As I came past that pig next door - the one that calls
himself Uncle - I noticed a blue ribbon on the front of his pen. That means he won first
prize. ​[A pause.]
CHARLOTTE
[softly]​ Oh, no. ​[​WILBUR​ sits down slowly. C
​ HARLOTTE​ goes to him and puts her
arm around him.]
TEMPLETON
Wait till Zuckerman gets hankering for some fresh pork and smoked ham. He’ll take the
​ ILBUR​ stares straight ahead.]
knife to you, my boy. ​[W
CHARLOTTE
Be still, Templeton! Don’t pay any attention to him, Wilbur. ​[TEMPLETON curls up and
falls asleep.]
TEMPLETON
I’ll bet he’s so scared he’s going to faint again.
WILBUR
[after a beat, still looking ahead]​ No, I’m not. ​[Another beat.]​ Whatever will happen,
will happen.​ [He gains courage.]​ I may not live as long as I’d like, but I’ve lived very

Page 33
well. A good life is much more important than just having a ​long l​ ife. So starting now,
I’m going to stop worrying about myself. There are more important things than just
thinking about yourself all the time.
FERN
​ ook! Look, everybody!
[offstage] L
[​FERN​ runs in.]
FERN
Look at what it says in Charlotte’s web! “Humble.”
[​EDITH​, carrying a jar of buttermilk and a towel, enters. ​HOMER
enters, carrying a bucket.]
EDITH
My goodness! “Humble.”
HOMER
​ iracle.
Another m
FERN
​ LL​ cheer.]
He’s sure to win that blue ribbon now! ​[A
EDITH
​ h, no! I can’t believe it!
[offstage] O
HOMER
What is it, Edith?
EDITH
​ LL​ are in shock.]
That pig over there has already won first prize. ​[A
ALL
[ad libbing] What? Have the judges been here already? Oh, no. I can’t believe Wilbur
didn’t win. This is terrible.
[​EDITH​ sobs. H
​ OMER​ blows his nose into a handkerchief.]
FERN
It’s not fair. He won just because he’s fat. I’ll bet the judges are fat, too.
​ LL​ are quiet for a moment.]
​[A

Page 34
 VOICE ON LOUDSPEAKER
​ ttention, please! Attention, please! We would like to ask as many of you as
[offstage] A
can to assemble in the livestock area where we are about to present a special award.
EDITH
Special award?
HOMER
It must be for the cows… or the horses.
VOICE ON LOUDSPEAKER
[offstage]​ When you arrive at the livestock area, please go to the section where the pigs
are located and report directly to the pig owned by Mr. Homer Zuckerman.
[​ALL​ are dumbfounded.]
FERN
​ he pig owned by Mr. Homer… ​[He throws straw into the
[slowly comprehending] T
​ a-hoo! ​[There are cheers, hugs, kisses, and general congratulations. W
air.] Y ​ ILBUR​ is
​ HARLOTTE​, unseen by the O
ecstatic. C ​ THERS​, inches out and gives W
​ ILBUR​ the
okay sign with her fingers.]
HOMER
We’ve got no time to lose. Finish bathing him, Edith.​ [​EDITH​ redoubles her efforts.]
FERN
I’ll get a little more straw.
HOMER
I’ll get rid of the slop bucket.
EDITH
Homer, does my hair look all right?
HOMER
[busy, straightening things up] ​Looks fine.
EDITH
You didn’t even look at my hair.

Page 35
 HOMER
You’re all right, Edith. Just keep calm.
[Three, or more, ​FAIRGOERS​ enter at various points as they gather for
the award presentation.]
FIRST FAIRGOER
Good morning.
HOMER
Hello, there.
FIRST FAIRGOER
Is this the Zuckerman pig?
HOMER
Yes, indeed.
SECOND FAIRGOER
There he is. That’s the pig we’ve been hearing about.
FERN
Zuckerman’s famous pig. That’s him.
SECOND FAIRGOER
He looks like a prize winner to me.
THIRD FAIRGOER
He isn’t as big as that pig next door, but he’s cleaner. That’s what I like.
FIRST FAIRGOER
So do I.
SECOND FAIRGOER
And he’s humble, too. Just like it says in the spider web.
THIRD FAIRGOER
Yes, sir. Mighty fine pig you got there, folks.
FERN
Thank you.

Page 36
 ​ NNOUNCER,​ carrying a portable public address system, enters.
[An A
​ ROWD.​ ]
He elbows his way through the C
ANNOUNCER
​ NNOUNCER​ climbs atop a crate or box. He clears his throat.]​ Ladeez and
[The A
gentlemen, many of you will recall when writing first appeared mysteriously on the
spider’s web in Mr. Zuckerman’s barn, calling the attention of all to the fact that this was
some pig. ​[​ALL​ verbally agree.]​ And he ​is.​ Look at him.
EDITH
[aside to ​MRS. ARABLE]​ ​It’s the buttermilk.
ANNOUNCER
And today, the word “humble.” Whence came this mysterious writing? ​[​WILBUR
glances in the general direction of ​CHARLOTTE.​ ] ​This miracle has never been fully
explained. We simply know that we are dealing with supernatural forces here, and we
​ LL ​agree.] N
should all feel proud and grateful. ​[A ​ ow, ladeez and gentlemen, on behalf
of the governors of the Fair, I take the honor of awarding a special prize of twenty-five
dollars to Mr. Zuckerman. ​And​ this handsome bronze medal, which far outshines any
blue ribbon, to this humble pig!
​ LL​ cheer and applaud. He
[He produces the medal which is attached to a long ribbon. A
ties the medal around Wilbur’s neck as ​ALL​ cheer and applaud. The ​ANNOUNCER
​ OMER​. After many congratulations, the crowd moves on.]
shakes hands with H
FERN
​ ILBUR​ beams.]
Look at Wilbur and his new medal. ​[W
HOMER
We’re mighty pleased with you, boy. ​[He pats ​WILBUR​.] W
​ ell, now that the
excitement’s died down, I guess it’s time to be loading up.
[​HOMER​ and ​EDITH​ exit.] [A moment later, F
​ ERN​ returns.]
FERN
I am so proud of you. I knew from the very first day that you were some pig. ​[After a
​ ILBUR,​ then she exits hurriedly.]
beat, she hugs W

Page 37
 Act 2, Scene 3
WILBUR
Charlotte. Charlotte? ​[A beat.] ​Are you all right?
CHARLOTTE
[coming out of hiding​] Yes. A little tired, perhaps. But I feel peaceful now that I know
you will live, Wilbur, secure and safe.
WILBUR
Oh, Charlotte. Why did you do all this for me? I’ve never done anything for you.
CHARLOTTE
You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. After all, what’s a life,
anyway? We’re born, we live a little, we die. By helping you, perhaps I was lifting up my
life a trifle.
WILBUR
You have saved me, Charlotte, and I would gladly give my life for you… I really would.
CHARLOTTE
I’m sure you would.
WILBUR
Charlotte, we’re all going home today. Won’t it be wonderful to be back in the barn
again?
CHARLOTTE
I will not be going back to the barn.
WILBUR
[alarmed]​ Not going back? What are you talking about?
CHARLOTTE
I’m done for. In a day or two, I’ll be dead.
WILBUR
Charlotte!
CHARLOTTE
I’m so tired, I can’t even crawl up to my egg sac.

Page 38
 WILBUR
Charlotte! My true friend.
CHARLOTTE
Come now, Wilbur, let’s not make a scene.
WILBUR
I won’t leave you alone to die. I shall stay, too.
CHARLOTTE
You can’t. They won’t let you. Besides, even if you did stay, there would be no one to
feed you. The Fair Grounds will soon be empty and deserted.
WILBUR
​ EMPLETON​ and awakens him.] ​Templeton,
I have an idea. ​[He rushes to T
Templeton! Wake up! Pay attention!
TEMPLETON
Can’t a rat catch a wink of sleep?
WILBUR
Listen to me! Charlotte is very ill. She won’t be coming home with us. I must take her
egg sac with me. I can’t reach it, and I can’t climb. Please, ​please,​ Templeton, climb up
and get the egg sac.
TEMPLETON
What do you think I am, anyway, a rat-of-all-work? ​[He climbs up to get the egg sac.]
WILBUR
Use extreme care. I don’t want a single one of those eggs harmed. ​[​TEMPLETON
​ ILBUR​.]​ Charlotte, I will protect it with all my might. Thank
brings the egg sac to W
you, Templeton. Now you’d better run to the truck and hide under the straw if you want
a ride back home.
[​TEMPLETON​ exits.]
HOMER
[offstage]​ We’ll take care of Wilbur, Edith. You drop the tailgate of the pickup and get
his crate ready.

Page 39
 WILBUR
Oh, Charlotte! ​[He crosses quickly to ​CHARLOTTE​ and embraces her.]
[​HOMER​ enters, followed by ​FERN​. ​CHARLOTTE​ hides in the
shadows.]
HOMER
We’d better straighten things up a little. We don’t want those governors of the Fair to
think the prize-winning pig left a mess behind.​ [​ALL​ laugh and begin to rearrange the
setting to resemble Homer’s barn.]​ ​Well, sir, it turned out to be a mighty fine Fair.
Mighty fine.
EDITH
Best one I’ve ever been to.
FERN
The very best one.
HOMER
Let’s go, Wilbur.
[​WILBUR​ looks back and sees ​CHARLOTTE,​ who has come out of
hiding again.]
WILBUR
[sotto voce]​ Goodbye, Charlotte. Goodbye.
[He waves to ​CHARLOTTE​, then he and H
​ OMER​ exit.]
CHARLOTTE
Goodbye, Wilbur. Thank you for saving my egg sac. [She speaks faintly.] Thank you…
and goodbye… my friend.​ [The lights fade, leaving a special on ​CHARLOTTE,​ who
slowly waves.]

Page 40
 Back To The Barn Speak Chorus
​ HORUS​ enters.]
[The C
FIRST MEMBER
Charlotte summoned all her strength and waved to Wilbur.
SECOND MEMBER
She went back to her web.
THIRD MEMBER
​ HORUS ​slowly detaches the web and rolls C
And never moved again. ​[C ​ HARLOTTE
up in it. They carry her offstage.]
FIRST MEMBER
Next day, as the Ferris wheel was being taken apart and race horses were being loaded
into their vans and the entertainers were packing up their belongings and driving away
​ he Fair Grounds were soon deserted. The
in their trailers, Charlotte died.​ [A pause.] T
sheds and buildings were empty and forlorn. The fields were littered with bottles and
trash. Of the hundreds of people that had visited the Fair, nobody knew that a gray
spider had played the most important part of all.
SECOND MEMBER
Wilbur returned to his beloved barn. The animals were delighted with his success at the
Fair. But everyone missed Charlotte very much.
THIRD MEMBER
For the rest of the fall and all through the winter, Wilbur watched over Charlotte’s egg
sac as though he were guarding his own children.
FIRST MEMBER
Patiently he awaited the end of winter and the coming of the little spiders.
​ HORUS​ exits.]
[The C

Page 41
 Act 2, Scene 4
​ EMPLETON​ enters and goes to the trough.]
[A moment later, T
TEMPLETON
Oh, good. Wilbur hasn’t eaten his breakfast yet. ​[He begins to eat.]
​ AMB​ and S
[The L ​ HEEP​ enter.]
LAMB
Wilbur hasn’t eaten anything these past few days. He keeps waiting out in the yard for
the eggs to hatch.
SHEEP
Templeton, you would live longer if you ate less.
TEMPLETON
Who wants to live forever?
​ OOSE​ and ​GANDER​ enter.]
[The G
GANDER
You, you, you tell them.
GOOSE
No, no, no. You do the honors.
GANDER
Very, -ery, -ery well. I am pleased to announce that the Goose and I are expecting
goslings.
LAMB
Again?
TEMPLETON
It must be spring. Everything’s sprouting.
SHEEP
Including your stomach.
[​WILBUR​ enters hurriedly. He carries the open egg sac.]
WILBUR
They’re here! They’re here!

Page 42
 LAMB
Who’s here?
WILBUR
The spiders. They hatched. All five hundred and fourteen. Look!​ [He points upward.]
GOOSE
They seem to be climbing up, up, up the rafters.
WILBUR
Yes. They’re going up to where the breezes are blowing. Oh, look. They’re floating away
on little clouds of silk. Wait! Don’t go! Won’t you please stay?​ [He is dejected.]​ They’re
all leaving.
SHEEP
Happens every time.
WILBUR
Wait… please! ​[He waves, sadly.]​ Goodbye. ​[A beat.]​ I’m glad they hatched. But I wish
they would stay. Some of them anyway. ​[To himself.]​ I’m being deserted by Charlotte’s
children.
GANDER
There, there, there, Wilbur. They have to live their own lives, you know.
WILBUR
Yes, I know. But I was just hoping… oh, never mind.
FIRST SPIDER
[offstage]​ Salutations!
WILBUR
Salutations? ​[He is excited.]​ Who said that?
​ IRST SPIDER​ enters.]
[The F
FIRST SPIDER
Me. I’m over here.
​ ECOND SPIDER​ enters.]
[The S

Page 43
 SECOND SPIDER
I’m over here.
​ HIRD SPIDER​ enters.]
[The T
THIRD SPIDER
​ PIDERS​ do not actually appear, their voices should
And I’m over here.​ [If the three S
come from different places offstage. ​WILBUR​ and the ​ANIMALS​ will look in the
direction of each ​SPIDER​ as she speaks.]
FIRST SPIDER
Three of us are staying.
SECOND SPIDER
We like this place.
THIRD SPIDER
And we like you.
WILBUR
Oh, my goodness! Well… salutations to you, too. ​[He is ecstatic.]​ This is wonderful!
Wonderful! What are your names, please?
FIRST SPIDER
Excuse me. Are you trembling?
WILBUR
Yes. Trembling with joy.
FIRST SPIDER
Then my name is Joy.
SECOND SPIDER
What was my mother’s middle initial?
WILBUR
A.
SECOND SPIDER
Then my name is Aranea.

Page 44
 THIRD SPIDER
I need a name, too. Pick one out for me. Not too fancy and not too dumb.
WILBUR
How about… Nellie?
THIRD SPIDER
Fine. I like that very much.
WILBUR
Joy, Aranea, Nellie. Welcome to your new home.
THREE SPIDERS
Thank you. Thank you very much.
FIRST SPIDER
Where did you get that handsome medal you’re wearing?
WILBUR
Well, it’s a long story. And I’ll tell you all about it. But right now, I’m going to take the
medal off. ​[He takes it off.]
SPIDERS & ANIMALS
[ad libbing]​ What? Did you hear that? What does he mean?
WILBUR
To celebrate this very special day, I’m putting the medal where it rightfully belongs.
Templeton, please hang it on that nail where Charlotte’s web used to be.
TEMPLETON
Another favor?
WILBUR
This is the last one, I promise.
TEMPLETON
​ ILBUR]​ ​ I know - till the next one. ​[He climbs up and hangs
[taking the medal from W
the medal on the nail.]​ Like this?

Page 45
 WILBUR
Perfect. ​[​TEMPLETON​ climbs down.]​ I hereby dedicate my medal to the memory of
​ LL​ nod in agreement.]
dear Charlotte whom I will never forget. ​[A

SHEEP
Very thoughtful, Wilbur.
GANDER
None​ of us will ever, ever, ever forget her.
WILBUR
I will love her children and her grandchildren dearly, but none of them will ever take her
place in my heart. She was in a class by herself. ​[A beat.]​ It is not often that someone
comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
[​ALL​ turn and look at the medal which is now lit by a special. All of the
other lights dim out. After a moment, the medal special dims to a
blackout.]

The End

Page 46