Charlotte's Web Program

About The Play Charlotte’s Web is one of the most beloved stories ever written for children.

First published in 1952 by author E.B. White, the tale follows Wilbur, a small pig who fears he may not have a place on the farm. Everything changes when he meets Charlotte, a wise and caring spider who lives in the barn and becomes his closest friend. Through courage, kindness, and a little bit of magic, Charlotte teaches Wilbur—and all of us—the true meaning of friendship.

E.B. White was an acclaimed American writer best known for children’s classics such as Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan, and essays in The New Yorker. Inspired by life on his own farm, White created a story that celebrates compassion, loyalty, and the wonder found in everyday life. More than seventy years after its publication, Charlotte’s Web continues to delight readers and audiences around the world, with the book remaining in print since 1952.

Joseph Robinette’s stage adaptation, first produced in 1989, was crafted with White’s full blessing and remains the only authorized dramatic version of the novel. Robinette captured what makes the book endure: its honesty about death, its unembarrassed celebration of friendship, and its quiet faith that ordinary creatures are capable of extraordinary kindness. The play moves nimbly from the Arable kitchen to the Zuckerman barnyard to the bustle of the County Fair, asking its young audiences to lean in and listen — to a spider’s wisdom, a pig’s brave heart, and a small girl who refuses to let an injustice stand.

Filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable lessons about love, friendship, and selflessness, Charlotte’s Web reminds us that even the smallest among us can make a very big difference.

Please silence all cell phones.

Please refrain from texting during the performance.

No photographs or recording equipment allowed due to copyright law.

Thank you and enjoy the performance!

Cast Rose State College Theatre presents CHARLOTTE’S WEB Dramatized by Joseph Robinette Based on the book by E.B. White CAST Narrator...........................................................................................Ann Ives also President of the Fair Wilbur.......................................................................................Rieley Ferrer Arable/Lurvy...............................................................................Eddie Gert Charlotte................................................................................Corena Brasel also Voice of Mrs. Arable, Baby Spiders Fern/Goose.............................................................................Heidi Gossen Homer Zuckerman............................................................Hayden Bentley also Sheep, Spectator 1 and 2, Avery Templeton...................................................................................Ava Dennis also Reporter Carter Gander ........................................................................................Chris Jones also Uncle, Judge

Who’s Who in the Cast HAYDEN BENTLEY (Avery, Homer Zuckerman, Sheep, Spectator 1 and 2) is very happy to be in Charlotte’s Web. This is his eighth show. He was previously in A Christmas Carol (Topper, Fezziwig Guest, Undertakers Boy, and Horseboy), It Runs In The Family (Dr. Connolly), Peter and the Starcatcher (Hawking Clam), Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle Dum and King of Hearts), Almost, Maine (Phil), Big Fish (Over Excited Scout, Ensemble, Featured Dancer), Romeo and Juliet (Balthasar, Tybalt US).

He graduated from Macarthur High School in Lawton, Oklahoma and now attends Rose State College majoring in Film Studies and Digital Media. He would like to thank his family for being so supportive and his friends for being absolutely amazing and making this his favorite play so far.

CORENA BRASEL (Charlotte) is a freshman at Rose State and is excited to be a part Charlotte’s Web. In 7th10th grade, she performed in high school plays such as: The Littlest Angel, A Peanut Butter Christmas, and A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past). She has also been an extra in two films made by her aunt and worked on The Huntsman (2026). She enjoys any part in productions that she is given. She would also like to thank her family for being supportive and her castmates for being so amazing, kind and supportive.

AVA DENNIS (Templeton/Reporter) Some of her previous roles include Creon in Antigone and Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, to name a few.

RIELEY FERRER (Wilbur) is a firstyear student at Rose State College and is excited to make their musical theatre debut. Theatre: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Judas), Moon Over Buffalo (Howard), Clue (Mr. Green), Rumors (Lenny Ganz), Fuggetaboutit! (Giovani Marino, Cannibal Lester), Alice in Wonderland (Mad Hatter), Almost, Maine (Randy); Television: It’s a Wonderful Life, the Radio Play on PBS-KMOS (Martini, Dr. Campbell, Ed, etc.). They would like to thank their past theatre educators Mistie Walser and Victoria Kiker for introducing them to theatre and inspiring them to pursue it.

EDDIE GERT (Arable/Lurvy) has performed in many productions at Rose State where he teaches Spanish.

These include Peter and the Starcatcher (Fighting Prawn), It Runs in the Family (Dr. Bonney), Our Town (Howie Newsome), The Addams Family (Mal), 9 to 5 (Mr. Tinsworthy), A Christmas Carol (Fezziwig, Christmas Present), Titanic (Etches), and Oliver! (Ensemble). He has also performed locally at 3rd Act Theatre Company in shows such as Gaslight, A Perfect Arrangement, Hay Fever, Heartbreak House, and The Odd Couple.

Eddie also enjoys working behind the scenes designing sound. He would like to thank his wife and son for supporting his theatrical endeavors.

HEIDI GOSSEN (Fern/Goose) is a second-year Musical Theater major at Rose State College. This is Heidi’s fourth show at Rose State; she has previously been seen in Rose State’s

productions of Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Big Fish (Young Jenny Hill) and Alice in Wonderland (Alice), as well as other shows with Hoshall Productions, Reclaiming Arts, Stage Productions, Kismet, and her church drama troupe.

She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, and the cast and crew for making this show such a wonderful experience.

ANN IVES (Narrator/President) is retired from 34 total years teaching, the last 17 with Mid-Del Schools (Kerr/Del City Middle School). During that time, she sponsored the Drama Club and brought students to many plays at Rose State. She currently tutors reading and math at Study Hub in Choctaw. She has directed plays at school, but hasn’t performed in many years. Her first role was in Tom Sawyer where she played Aunt Polly in 9th grade.

She directed the One Act contest plays at Borger Middle School for three years and performed and directed youth plays for six years at Boomtown Theater in Borger, Texas. Some of her roles were M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Aunt Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Opal in Opal’s Million Dollar Duck and Everybody Loves Opal.

She has loved working with the talented actors in Charlotte’s Web. She wants to thank Rick Nelson and the cast for their support and friendship. This has been a wonderful experience.

CHRIS JONES (Gander/Uncle) is a Theater Major here at Rose, and has previously performed in three other shows held in these sacred halls being the Short and Sweet: A 10-Minute Play Festival in 2025, Alice in Wonderland, and Romeo and Juliet. He has an abundance of experience with many creative avenues such as story crafting, art, vocal work, and content creation. Being part of this

adaptation of Charlotte’s Web has been a blast, and a total honor for him. Especially since vocal work is one of his favorite parts in acting. He would like to thank all his friends, family, and everyone who has motivated him to pursue his goals.

MADISON KELLY (Technical Director) Madison Kelly is the new Technical Director at Rose State College, where she oversees all aspects of production design and technical operations. With a background in set design and properties management/design, Madison brings 13 years of experience in theatre production, and has worked in Educational Theatre for most of her career. Before joining Rose State College, she worked with the University of Central Oklahoma, Inspired Theatre, Reclaiming Arts, and Red Carpet Community Theatre, supporting a wide range of performances from musicals, plays, and dance recitals. Passionate about collaboration and student development, Madison is grateful for the opportunity to foster an environment where creativity and technical excellence meet.

CONSTANCE YOUNCE (Stage Manager) is a second-year dual major student in Theater/Photography at Rose State College. She has previously performed in Short and Sweet: A 10-Minute Play Festival (2025), Alice in Wonderland (Fall 2025), Almost, Maine (Fall 2025), Romeo & Juliet (Spring 2026) She is an aspiring voice actress/ actor, hoping theatre will make her more comfortable being more out there.

She is grateful to be working with and alongside many wonderful and talented people. This is her second time stage managing as she helped with the Short and Sweet (Spring 2026). She has enjoyed helping and being behind the scenes for this summer show.

Why major in theatre at Rose State?

• RSC produces four shows every year • Students have the opportunity to work alongside professional guest artists • High level of opportunities to participate in productions allows students more exposure to theatre than they would at larger institutions • Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the area of the theatre that interests them: scene painting, set building, singing, acting, publicity, playwriting, stage managing, dramaturgy, etc.

• The collaborative nature of producing each show reinforces skills in organization, teamwork, leadership and responsibility • Faculty and staff work closely with students in all aspects of the discipline • Students are encouraged to pursue a variety of internships in professional theatre • Theatre, by nature, is a lot of work … and a lot of fun!

For more information, call Rick Nelson, Professor of Theatre at Rose State, at 736-0364 or email at rnelson@rose.edu.

Crew Director................................................................................................Rick Nelson Technical Director/Sound Operator............................................Madison Kelly Stage Manager/Lights Operator...........................................Constance Younce

Special Thanks Rose State College President Travis Hurst Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Melissa Hayt Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Jeff Conkin Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dr. Elizabeth Boger Administrative Support Specialist Katy Sorenson Photographer Kenneth Beachler Social Media Coordinator & Internal Marketing Relations Kaitlyn Weldon Brenda Nelson Mass Communication Professor Darcy Delaney-Nelson