CHARLOTTE’S WEB

SCENE 1:

NARRATOR 1: This world is filled with wonders, and to me there is no better wonder than
a farm in Springtime. Everywhere you look there are little miracles happening, and
everything is off to a fresh start. Buds swell into blossom and eggs hatch. Life is good and
busy and brand new.

NARRATOR 2: Listen to the sounds of the morning. Very, very early morning. Listen to
the crickets…the hoot-owls…a frog down by the pond…a dog up at the next farm. And
today, there’s another sound. Some brand-new pigs were born on The Arable’s Farm.

NARRATOR 3: Here’s one of them right now – exploring his new home. His name is –
well actually, he doesn’t have a name yet. For the moment, he’s still just “LITTLE PIG”.
But as you’ll see, he isn’t just any ordinary pig.

WILBUR: Who am I? Where am I? I’ve never been here before. I’ve never been
anywhere before. Everything seems so strange. But I like it… I think.

MR. ARABLE: Well, one of the pigs is a runt. It’s very small and weak. I don’t think we’ll
keep him.

FERN: Papa, you can’t give up on him just because he’s smaller than the others!

MRS. ARABLE: Your father is right, Fern. The little pig will take too much time to care for.

FERN: Oh please! It’s unfair!

MRS. ARABLE: Fern, your father knows a lot more about raising a litter of pigs than you
do. A weakling makes trouble. Now run along!

FERN: But it’s unfair. The pig couldn’t help being born small! This is the most terrible case
of injustice I have ever heard of!

MR. ARABLE: I have a good mind to keep this pig and let you take care of it for a little
while. Then you’ll see how much trouble a little runt pig could be.

FERN: Can I?! OH PLEASE!

MR. ARABLE: All right, he’s yours.

FERN: Thank you, Papa!

AVERY: What’s goin’ on? What are ya doin, Fern?

MR. ARABLE: Your sister has a guest for breakfast, Avery. In fact, for a little while, she’s
going to be raising that pig.

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AVERY: You call that little thing a pig? He’s nothin’ but a runt!

MRS. ARABLE: Now, now. Come in the house and eat your breakfast, Avery. The
school bus will be along in half an hour.

FERN: I’m going to have such a good time with this little pig.

AVERY: Can I have a pig, too, Pop?

MR. ARABLE: No, I only distribute pigs to early risers who are trying to rid the world of
injustice. Let’s go eat.

FERN: My very own pig! Now I have to name you. A perfect name for a pig… Clarence!
No, you don’t look like a Clarence. Maximillion! Because you’re worth a million to me!
Maybe I’m trying too hard. Let’s see…Barney, Herman, Lawrence, Newton, Morris,
Wilbur, William… Wait a minute. Wilbur! Willll-bur. What a GREAT name!

MRS. ARABLE: (offstage) Breakfast, Fern!

FERN: I’m coming! I mean, we’re coming. Fern and Wilbur!

SCENE 2:

NARRATOR 1: Fern loved Wilbur more than anything. And Wilbur loved her right back.
They did everything together. Every morning, after breakfast, Wilbur walked out to the road
with Fern and waited till her bus came.

FERN: Now you be a good boy until I get home. There’s the bus. Bye, Wilbur! I’ll see
you this afternoon.

NARRATOR 2: Every day was a happy day for Wilbur. And every night was peaceful. He
loved living with Fern and her family.

WILBUR: I LOVE living with Fern and her family!

NARRATOR 3: No longer was Wilbur a runt. He was growing every day. He was
becoming quite a specimen of a pig.

WILBUR: I chalk it up to good, clean living.

MR. ARABLE: Time to eat, Wilbur!

WILBUR: And to good, fattening food.

MR. ARABLE: OK, pig, it’s time you graduated to slops. Skim milk, potato skins, leftover
sandwiches and marmalade drippings.

NARRATOR 3: Before long, Wilbur was five weeks old.

WILBUR: I’d say it’s about time for a birthday party.

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NARRATOR 3: He was big.

WILBUR: Now let them call me a runt.

NARRATOR 3: and strong.

WILBUR: Anyone for arm wrestling?

NARRATOR 3: and healthy.

WILBUR: Check out the pink in the cheeks.

ALL NARRATORS: He was ready to be sold!

WiILBUR: SOLD?! Oh, no!

MR. ARABLE: He’s eating too much. I can’t provide for him any longer. He’s not a baby
anymore, Fern. He’s got to be sold.

FERN: Oh Papa, no! Please don’t sell him!

AVERY: What’s the matter?

MR. ARABLE: Fern is learning one of the hard facts of farm life.

MRS. ARABLE: Listen, everybody. 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.

FERN: OH PLEASE, PAPA!

MR. ARABLE: That’s not a bad idea. Come along. We’ll call Uncle Homer.

AVERY: Can Wilbur come too?

MR. ARABLE: Why not?

SCENE 3:

NARRATOR 1: The next day Wilber was sold to Fern’s Uncle, Homer Zuckerman.

FERN: It’s very nice here, Wilbur. My Uncle will take great care of you. Now I’d better go
so I don’t miss the bus. I’ll come back to check on you after school! (exits)

NARRATOR 2: Wilbur’s new home was a very large, old barn. It had a peaceful smell…as
though nothing bad could happen.

NARRATOR 3: Fern was right. It is very nice here.

GOOSE: Hello, hello, hello. Don’t you talk talk talk?

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GANDER: You probably could if you tried tried tried!

WILBUR: (struggling) Wi….wi….Wi…WI…

GOOSE: Oh, you can do better better better than that!

WILBUR: Wil….bur. Wilbur. WILBUR!

GOOSE: There there there! You speak very well!

WILBUR: I CAN TALK! I can actually talk!

GANDER: Now aren’t you glad glad glad?

WILBUR: I am still sad sad sad, I am really going to miss Fern. What is your name?

GOOSE: My name is Goose. And this is my friend, Gander, Gander, Gander.

WILBUR: But I see only one Gander.

GANDER: Yes, Wilbur. We tend to repeat, repeat, repeat ourselves.

TEMPLETON: Wilbur? That’s a pretty tacky name, if you ask me.

WILBUR: Who was that?

TEMPLETON: Templeton, the rat. In person. Well, I will admit it’s nice to have a pig
around the place again. I haven’t had delicious, leftover slops in an age!

WILBUR: But the slops will be for me.

TEMPLETON: I’m sure you’ll find it in your heart to share your food with dear old
Templeton. Especially if I make a nest right here beside your trough. (thunder booms)

WILBUR: Oh, no. It’s raining! I had made such grand plans for today. I get everything all
beautifully planned out, and it has to go and rain. I’m so lonesome. And Fern won’t come
in such bad weather.

LURVY: Hi there, pig! Time to eat! Lots of good leftovers. What’s wrong with you? We
must have a sick pig here! (exits)

GANDER: Why aren’t you happy happy happy, Wilbur? Eat!

WILBUR: I miss Fern. I don’t want food…I want a friend. Will you play with me Goose?

GOOSE: I’m no flibberty--iberty-jibbit. I’m staying here and hatching my goslings.

WILBUR: Will you play with me Templeton?

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TEMPLETON: Play? I hardly know the meaning of the word. I prefer to spend my time
spying…and hiding…and uh, eating.

SHEEP: What’s all the commotion here?

GANDER: We have a new resident!

GOOSE: His name is Wilbur!

WILBUR: Do you want to play with me?

LAMB: Can I please, Mama?

SHEEP: Certainly not! Sheep do not play with Pigs. It’s a matter of status. Sheep are
highly regarded by Zuckerman for our wool.

LAMB: We overheard the Zuckermans discussing you. They plan to keep you nice and
comfortable…

SHEEP: And fatten you up with delicious slops…

WILBUR: Oh, I AM going to like it here!

SHEEP: Until you are fat enough to sell at the market!

WILBUR: OH NO! Is it true?!

GOOSE: Now, now, now, Sheep! That is enough for today.

SHEEP: Nice to meet you…Wilbur.

LAMB: Nice to meet you, Wilbur.

WILBUR: Is it true what the sheep says? Is that awful thing true?

GOOSE: It’s a dirty- irty trick, but sadly it’s true. Well, I have eggs to hatch.

GANDER: See you later later later, Wilbur! (exits)

WILBUR: I don’t want to go to market! I want to lie here in my mud and play in the sun
and eat my slop. Oh, what do I do? I wish Fern was here.

SONG #1 - “Chin Up”

CHARLOTTE: Chin up, chin up

Everybody loves a happy face
Wear it, share it
It’ll brighten up the darkest place
Twinkle, sparkle
Let a little sunshine in

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 You’ll be on the right side
Looking at the bright side
Up with your chinny chin chin…

CHARLOTTE: Salutations!

WILBUR: Salu-what?

CHARLOTTE: Salutations! It’s a fancy way of saying hello.

WILBUR: Oh! And salutations to you too. Very pleased to meet you. What is your name?

CHARLOTTE: My name is Charlotte. Charlotte A. Cavatica. I’m a spider.

WILBUR: That’s a great name! Will you join me for breakfast, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE: No thank you, my breakfast is waiting for me on the other side of my web.

WILBUR: What are you having?

CHARLOTTE: A fly. I caught it this morning.

WILBUR: You eat…flies? Oh, please don’t say things like that!

CHARLOTTE: It’s true! That’s the way I’m made. If I didn’t catch the bugs, soon there
would be so many that they’d destroy the earth. Spiders are very useful creatures.

WILBUR: I wish I was useful.

CHARLOTTE: Chin up, Wilbur…you will be useful in your own way.

WILBUR: I am glad you are here Charlotte. Will you stay for a long time?

CHARLOTTE: A spider’s life is an uncertain thing, but I promise that I’ll stay as long as I
can. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have my breakfast. You should too.

SCENE 4:

NARRATOR 1: Fern came to visit Wilbur as often as she could.

NARRATOR 2: The animals enjoyed her visits because she was so kind they trusted her.

NARRATOR 3: And it made Fern so very happy to be near them.

GANDER: I am sure that everyone will be glad glad glad to hear that the goslings are here!

COW: Congratulations! How many are there?

GANDER: There are…a lot.

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COW: It must be your lucky day!

GOOSE: Luck has nothing to do with this! It was good management and hard work!
Come come come, little ones!

COW: This one is so tiny…

WILBUR: Oh, they are all perfect, just the way they are! I was a runt like you too. I’ll be
your friend!

SONG #2 - “We’ve Got Lots in Common”

ALL: Oh we’ve got lots in common where it really counts

Where it really counts, we’ve got large amounts
What we look like doesn’t count an ounce
We’ve got lots in common where it really counts

WILBUR: You’ve got feathers, I’ve got skin

But both our outsides hold us in

COW: I’ve got hooves, you’ve got web feet

But we both stand up to eat

ALL: Cause we got lots in common where it really counts

Where it really counts, we’ve got large amounts
What we look like doesn’t count an ounce
We’ve got lots in common where it really counts

WILBUR: You’ve got a beak and I a snout

But both of us can sniff about

HORSE: You’ll say quack and I’ll say neigh

But we’re talking either way

ALL: Oh we’ve got lots in common where it really counts

Where it really counts, we’ve got large amounts
What we look like doesn’t count an ounce
We’ve got lots in common where it really counts

GANDER: Come along, everyone! It’s time for swimming lessons! (all exit)

SCENE 5:

NARRATOR 1: Charlotte knew that Wilbur’s life was in danger and so she thought and
thought of a way to save Wilbur's life. At last, an idea came to her!

NARRATOR 2: After all the barnyard animals returned from their day and slipped off to
sleep, she worked hard all through the night. She knew her work would not be easy, but it
had to be done for Wilbur.

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NARRATOR 3: Finally, when the sun was about to rise, Charlotte’s task was complete.
She had done her best work so far, for her dear friend, Wilbur. And after that, she fell
asleep.

LURVY: I’m seeing things! Zuckerman! Zuckerman! I can’t believe this!

MR. ZUCKERMAN: “Some Pig”! Oh my, it’s a sign! We have a very unusual pig.

LURVY: It seems to me that we have a very unusual spider.

MR. ZUCKERMAN: No, it’s just an ordinary spider sitting there.

LURVY: I’ve never seen anything like this before!

MR. ZUCKERMAN: Hurry! We have to tell everyone!

NARRATOR 1: The news spread all over the county! Soon, everybody knew that a sign
had appeared in a spider's web and that Zuckerman had “SOME PIG”.

NARRATOR 2: People came from miles around to see Wilbur and to read Charlotte's
web. They said they had never seen such a wondrous pig before.

NARRATOR 3: One evening, a few days later, Charlotte called a meeting in the barn.

CHARLOTTE: I’m sure all of you have noticed the message I wrote in my web praising
Wilbur. The Zuckerman's have fallen for it, and so has everybody else. Zuckerman thinks
Wilbur is an unusual pig, and therefore he won't want to sell him to market!

ALL: Hurray!

CHARLOTTE: Thank you very much. Now, I called this meeting in order to get new ideas
for the web. People are already getting sick of reading the words “SOME PIG”.

GOOSE: How about “TERRIFIC, TERRIFIC, TERRIFIC”?

CHARLOTTE: I think one “TERRIFIC” will do nicely!

WILBUR: But Charlotte…I'm not terrific.

CHARLOTTE: Oh, I disagree, dear friend. Besides, that doesn’t matter one bit. People
will believe almost anything they see in print.

GOOSE: Does anybody know how to spell “TERRIFIC”?

GANDER: I think it's T double E double R double I double F double I double C C C C.

SHEEP: I suggest that you do not consult geese in matters of spelling.

LAMB: The word is spelled T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C.

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CHARLOTTE: Perfect! I will get to work!

NARRATOR 1: When the word “TERRIFIC” was spotted in the web, news spread all
around the county…again!

NARRATOR 2: The people that came to see Wilbur when he was “Some Pig” came back
to see Wilbur now that he was “TERRIFIC”.

NARRATOR 3: But eventually the crowds quit coming, and everyone began to worry
about Wilbur’s safety. (all animals exit)

SCENE 6:

CHARLOTTE: There should be something new written in the web if we’re to keep Wilbur
from going to market! Templeton! Can you please visit the dump and get old magazines so
I can copy some words to save Wilbur?

TEMPLETON: Why should I worry about Wilbur?

CHARLOTTE: You'll worry when Wilbur is gone and nobody comes down here with a nice
pail of slops. Wilbur's food is your food!

TEMPLETON: Alright! I'll tell you what…there's a package of soap flakes I brought in from
the garbage. It has writing on it. I'll bring you a piece of that. (exits and returns) There!
How's that?

CHARLOTTE: “WITH NEW RADIANT ACTION”. Wilbur!

WILBUR: Yes, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE: I want to see you in action, to see if you are radiant. Race to the end of the
barn and back again. Jump into the air! Now twist! How radiant, Wilbur! Now go get some
rest. I’ve got work to do!

SCENE 7:

NARRATOR 4: Charlotte’s message was enough to keep Wilbur safe through the
summer, but the days of summer drifted on and on.

NARRATOR 5: The end of summer brings many things…late harvesting, thoughts of

school, and…the County Fair!

NARRATOR 6: Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Ride the giant Ferris wheel! Only
ten cents! Come one, come all! Livestock judging! 4-H exhibits!

NARRATOR 4: Mr. Zuckerman was so excited about his “RADIANT” pig that he decided
to take Wilbur to be judged at the Fair.

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NARRATOR 5: Charlotte and Templeton went along too, just in case. Charlotte was
feeling very tired, but she knew this was the perfect place to amaze people with her web
and save Wilbur once and for all.

NARRATOR 6: That night, after Wilbur was settled in his stall, Templeton returned with a
word.

TEMPLETON: Well, here’s your order!

CHARLOTTE: I hope you brought a good one. It is the last word I shall ever write.

TEMPLETON: It says “HUMBLE”.

CHARLOTTE: “HUMBLE”. That's Wilbur all over.

NARRATOR 4: Templeton vanished into the night while Charlotte went to work creating
her new “HUMBLE” web for Wilbur.

NARRATOR 5: The next morning, Wilbur saw the new web and a curious object next to
Charlotte.

WILBUR: Your web looks beautiful! But what's that next to you, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE: That is my egg sac, the finest thing I have ever made. It is made out of the
strongest material I have. All of my eggs are inside and will be warm and dry.

WILBUR: Oh how wonderful, Charlotte! Congratulations!

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the fair, I proudly introduce Mr.
Zuckerman and his famous pig! The fame of this unique animal spreads to the far corners
of the earth and attracts valuable tourists to our great county. We should all be proud and
grateful. I have the honor of awarding a special prize to Mr. Zuckerman: As token of our
appreciation of this RADIANT, TERRIFIC, HUMBLE pig!

SONG #3 - “ZUCKERMAN’S FAMOUS PIG”

Oh wow, look at him now
Zuckerman’s famous pig
Sooey, what do you see
The greatest hog in history
Fine swine, wish he was mine
What if he’s not so big
He’s some, terrific, radiant, humble
Thingamajig of a fine phenomenon

My land, isn’t it grand

Zuckerman’s famous pig
Golly, you got to agree
He’s a real celebrity
Fine swine, wish he was mine
What if he’s not so big?

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 He’s some, terrific, radiant, humble
Zuckerman’s famous pig

MR. ZUCKERMAN: Thank you, everybody. He really is some pig! And if I have anything
to do with it...this pig will live to a ripe old age!

SCENE 8:

NARRATOR 6: Wilbur loved his medal and felt more radiant than ever. After everyone
left, he showed his medal to Charlotte. Charlotte seemed happy, but also sad.

WILBUR: Charlotte, do you feel all right?

CHARLOTTE: A little tired perhaps. But I feel peaceful because your future is assured.
You will be safe, Wilbur. Nothing can harm you now.

WILBUR: Charlotte, why did you do this for me?

CHARLOTTE: You're my friend, Wilbur. That in itself is a tremendous thing.

WILBUR: We're going home today. Aren't you anxious?

CHARLOTTE: Wilbur, I’m afraid I will not be going back to the barn. I haven't strength
enough to even climb into the crate.

WILBUR: What?! No, Charlotte! I won't leave you here alone. I will stay with you!

CHARLOTTE: You can't stay here. You have a whole radiant life ahead of you!
Remember, chin up! Wilbur, can I ask you one favor?

WILBUR: Absolutely anything for you, my true friend.

CHARLOTTE: Please take my egg sac with you. Get it safely back to Zuckerman’s barn.

WILBUR: I will protect it with all my might. Oh, Charlotte!

CHARLOTTE: Goodbye, Wilbur. Thank you for saving my eggs. Thank you and goodbye,
my friend.

NARRATOR 4: Charlotte summoned all her strength and waved to Wilbur. Then she went
back to her web and laid down for one final rest.

NARRATOR 5: The Fair was over. The Ferris wheel was taken apart and the entertainers
packed up their belongings and drove away in their trailers. The fairgrounds were soon
deserted.

NARRATOR 6: Hundreds of people had visited the Fair, but nobody knew that a small,
brave spider had played the most important part of all. All in the name of friendship.

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NARRATOR 4: Wilbur watched over Charlotte’s eggs as though he were guarding his
own children. Patiently, he awaited the coming of the little spiders.

TEMPLETON: Oh, good. Wilbur hasn’t eaten his breakfast yet.

LAMB: Wilbur hasn’t eaten anything these past few days. He keeps waiting out in the
yard for the eggs to hatch.

WILBUR: They’re here! They’re here! The spiders! They hatched. Look!

SPIDER 1: Hello, everyone!

SPIDER 2: Goodbye, everyone!

WILBUR: Wait! What?!

SPIDER 3: We're leaving!

SPIDER 4: This is our moment.

SPIDER 5: For setting forth!

SPIDER 6: We are going out into the world!

SPIDER 7: To make webs for ourselves.

WILBUR: But where will you go?

SPIDER 8: Wherever the wind takes us!

SPIDER 9: East, west, north, or south!

SPIDER 10: We just take to the breeze! (all exit)

WILBUR: No! Please don't go! I'll be all alone. Wait…please!

SHEEP: Happens every time.

TEMPLETON: There, there, Wilbur. They have to live their own lives, you know.

WILBUR: Yes, I know. But I was just hoping…oh, never mind. (all exit except Wilbur)

SPIDER 11, 12, 13: Salutations!

WILBUR: Salutations?! Who said that?

SPIDER 11: Three of us are staying.

SPIDER 12: We like this place!

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SPIDER 13: And we like you!

WILBUR: Oh, this is wonderful! I’m so happy you are here! Your mother was my very best
friend. She saved my life, you know. She was brilliant, beautiful, and loyal to the very end.

NARRATOR 4: Wilbur and the spiders played together every day…

NARRATOR 5: And every day, Wilbur told them wonderful stories about his very dear
friend, their mother…Charlotte.

NARRATOR 6: It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend AND a good
writer. Charlotte was both.

THE END

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