Charlotte's Web Program

Assistant Director’s Notes Charlotte’s Web has always had a special place in my heart and in the heart of the Key community. Traditionally, its timeless message of friendship and acceptance has been shared with our first grade classes, read aloud at circle time by beloved teachers and parent volunteers. The play adaptation was also the first Key Theater production I ever attended, where I watched my brother perform as Homer Zuckerman in his first Middle School show, and it was this show that inspired me to take the stage and sparked my love for theater over a decade ago. Along with the connections that Charlotte’s Web has to Key, I believe that in the current state of the world, messages of unconditional love, friendship, acceptance of self and others, and kindness are incredibly essential to loudly raise up and share both on the stage and in our daily lives. I want to thank everyone involved, but particularly Ms. Dillon-Williams, for always amplifying and modeling these values. As this was my first time holding a directing role in a full-length production, I learned so much not just about theater but about the very principles that were in full force among the faculty, cast, crew, and family supporters at each and every rehearsal.

This company has built not only a work of art, but a collaborative community filled with friendship, acceptance, love, and kindness. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for having been privileged to be part of the Key Theater Family all these years. "That in itself is a tremendous thing."

"That in itself is a tremendous thing" Connor Squires ’26

Setting and Scenes Charlotte’s Web takes place in Squires County, America, before the advent of the internet and other modern distractions that prevent us from noticing the miracles happening right in our own backyards.

Time: The Present and the Past Place: Squires County, USA Act I: The Arable’s Farm The Zuckerman’s Farm Act II: Squires County Fair The Zuckerman’s Farm

Charlotte’s Web

CAST

Based on the book by E.B. White

Narrators ................................................Ciara Hood, Zoé Lyles, Fiona Powers John Arable ......................................................................................Eva Beckman Martha Arable ..................................................................................Marina Dean Fern Arable .................................................................................Charlotte Stokes Avery Arable ....................................................................................Julien Sabean Homer Zukerman ................................................................Matthias Hauswirth Edith Zukerman .............................................................................Zema Stephen Lucy Zukerman ..........................................................................Gabriela Gordon Lurvy ...................................................................................................Tess Hinojos Reporters ....................................Christina Hall, Bryn Hoadley, Addie Murray Charlotte ...........................................................................................Imani Gikuuri Wilber ...............................................................................................Jun Kugelman Templeton .........................................................................Castin Dillon-Williams Goose ..............................................................................................Brooks Wroten Gander .................................................................................................Finn Powers Old Sheep ................................................................Arinze Akujuo, Mia Shapiro Sheep ...............................................Caroline Dolak, Jack Evans, Scarlett York Lamb ....................................................................................................Molly Olson Dancer ...............................................................................................Luisa Ostrom Fair Announcer ......................................................................................Ben Coster Candy Booth Workers .................................Genevieve Santiago, Rylea Tower Fortune Tellers .............................................................Alice Billard, Lucinda Ely Hot Dog and Popcorn Booth Workers ............Charlotte Barry, Addie Murray Penny Pitch Booth Workers ..............................Jack Evans, Samuel LookFong Spectators ........................Thayer Bowman, Yasmin El-Sayed, Christina Hall Bryn Hoadley, Addie Murray County Fair Official ..........................................................................Sage Jenkins Mayor Wesmore ..............................................................................Arinze Akujuo Ms. County Fair ......................................................................Gabby Stephenson Molly Olson (understudy) Fairgoers.........................................Charlotte Barry, Alice Billard, Lucinda Ely Genevieve Santiago, Rylea Tower Judges .................................................................Ben Coster, Samuel LookFong Uncle's Owners .....................................................Bryn Hoadley, Addie Murray Uncle the Prize Pig .................................................................................Jack Evans Baby Spiders .....................Thayer Bowman, Yasmin El-Sayed, Luisa Ostrom

Who’s Who in the Cast Arinze Akujuo (Old Sheep/Mayor Wesmore) Arinze is in eighth grade, and this is his first play at Key, even though he has done other plays in the past. Arinze likes hanging out with friends, playing soccer, and meeting new people. He is extremely thankful for the opportunities he has gotten to act again at this school.

Charlotte Barry (Hot Dog and Popcorn Seller/Fairgoer) Charlotte is excited to make her acting debut in Charlotte’s Web. A fifth grader in Ms. Zanger’s homeroom, Charlotte enjoys playing soccer and tennis as well as singing in the Youth Chorus of Annapolis. Charlotte would like to thank her family for their encouragement and knows that her dad is cheering her on from heaven.

Eva Beckman (John Arable) Eva is an eighth grader and this is her third play with Key Theater. She enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, and skateboarding. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support and encouragement.

Alice Billard (Fortune Teller/Fairgoer) Alice is a seventh grader who loves to swim and to play volleyball. She loves to jump on the trampoline with her best friend, Lucinda and her little sister, Eleanor. She loves her dog, Casey, and has a passion for gymnastics. Alice loves to babysit around the neighborhood, and is very grateful for Lucinda, who encouraged her to join the play.

Thayer Bowman (Baby Spider/Spectator) Thayer is a fifth grader and this is her first play. She loves to do aerial and theater and being with her friends. She does a theater camp at Key every summer. Thayer would like to thank her parents for being positive and supportive and would also like to thank her besties for always being there for her. She loves the summer, especially the Hillsmere Swim Team with all her buddies there.

Who’s Who in the Cast Ben Coster (Fair Announcer/Judge) Ben is a seventh grader, and this is his third Key School play. He was most recently Mustardseed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Ben is also a singer and performed in AACC’s Dead Man Walking opera production. He likes to code, play video games, swim, and sail. He loves to perform and is excited for the play.

Marina Dean (Martha Arable) Marina is an eighth grader and this is her third play at Key. She enjoys playing tennis and volleyball, as well as hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, and reading. She wants to thank her best friends, her brother, and her parents for all the support and encouragement during this time period.

Castin Dillon-Williams (Templeton) Castin is an eighth grader. He has been acting since fifth grade and this is his last Middle School play before he advances to Upper School. He was last seen as Demetrius in the Upper School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He is excited to perform in this show with his friends. He thanks Marina.

Caroline Dolak (Sheep) Caroline is a fifth grader. This is her first play, and she is very excited. She likes to swim, read, and cook. She is so grateful that her family switched up her schedule so she could go to play practice and helped her in many ways.

Yasmin El-Sayed (Baby Spider/Spectator) Yasmin is a fifth grader who has done musical theater camp at Key five times. Yasmin loves playing soccer, rock climbing, sailing, and snowboarding. She loves music and has been to Coachella five times. Yasmin also plays the French horn and really enjoys it. She enjoyed being and hopes to be at rehearsal every day.

Who’s Who in the Cast Lucinda Ely (Fortune Teller/Fairgoer) Lucinda is a seventh grader, and this is her second play at Key. She enjoys volleyball, swimming, and riding her bike with Alice.

She would like to thank her best friend, Alice. <3

Jack Evans (Uncle the Prize Pig/Sheep/Penny Pitch Booth Worker) Jack is a fifth grader and is excited for his first play at Key School!

Jack has participated in a few plays before at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. He has participated in Peter Pan, The Claw, Finding Nemo, and is currently working on The Lion King. His favorite character that he plays is Sheep 2 because of one line: “Yeppers.”

Jack loves to read, climb trees, watch his favorite TV shows, and listen to audiobooks, especially by Andy Weir, and he can’t wait for next year's play!

Imani Gikuuri (Charlotte) Imani is an eighth grader, and this is her third production at Key. She was last seen as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Imani has been involved in the performing arts since she was very young, and plans to continue pursuing her passion. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, making clay art, playing with her dog, singing, and listening to music. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their wonderful support!

Gabriela Gordon (Lucy Zuckerman) Gabi is a sixth grader. This is her second play at Key, and she enjoys playing volleyball and tennis and doing art. Soon, she will start doing a theater camp. Her favorite plays are Hamilton, Beetlejuice, and Little Shop of Horrors. She’s seen Hamilton on Broadway, and she would love to see more Broadway plays.

Christina Hall (Reporter/Spectator) Christina is in sixth grade, and this is her first play at Key. She enjoys theater because it lets her be creative and step into different characters. Outside of theater, Christina enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and lacrosse. She also enjoys hanging out with friends and trying new things.

Who’s Who in the Cast Matthias Hauswirth (Homer Zuckerman) Matthias is an eighth grader, and this is his first play. He enjoys tinkering with electronics, using Linux, and playing the cello. He would like to thank his parents and friends for their support.

Tess Hinojos (Lurvy) Tess is a sixth grader. This is her second play, and she is excited to keep going. She likes doing sports and playing fun games.

She has seen The Brothers Grim Spectaculation, The Lion King, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Bryn Hoadley (Uncle’s Owner/Reporter /Spectator) Bryn is a sixth grader, and this is her first-ever play. Bryn is super excited and eager to join in on all the fun. Although this is Bryn’s first year at Key, she has already made so many friends and is excited to continue next year. Bryn enjoys art, music, and hanging out with friends. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting this new adventure.

Ciara Hood (Narrator) Ciara is an eighth grader and is excited to be part of her first-ever play. She enjoys art and adores watching movies, plays, and musicals, which has made this experience especially meaningful for her. Ciara is delighted to be part of the cast, getting to meet new people, trying new things, and bringing her character to life. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sage Jenkins (County Fair Official) Sage is a sixth grader, and this is her second play at Key. Sage likes to play sports, play electric guitar, read, and hang out with friends. She participates in theater camp and gymnastics camp every summer. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support!

Who’s Who in the Cast Jun Kugelman (Wilbur) Jun is an eighth grader. This is his third production in the Key Theater program and his first Middle School production. He has been in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2025), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2025), and now, Charlotte’s Web (2026). Jun plays cello outside of school and has always been interested in acting and performing arts. Jun is thankful to perform on stage in Middle School one last time, and he is thankful for the wonderful cast in this show. He would also like to thank his mother and grandfather for their support and for driving him to and from rehearsals.

Samuel LookFong (Judge/Penny Pitch Booth Worker) Samuel is in sixth grade. This is his first play at Key, and he is excited to be a part of the cast.

Zoé Lyles (Narrator) Zoé is in seventh grade, and she enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community. She is the former 5k race ambassador for Children's National Hospital and one of the current champions for Children's Miracle Network, which helps raise money for kids with cancer throughout the nation and Canada. Zoé is very fond of public speaking and has done two shows with Key Theater: The Con and the Upper School play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which she greatly appreciated being able to participate in as a Middle Schooler. Zoé is so happy to be a part of this wonderful cast and excited to see this play come to life!

Addie Murray (Uncle’s Owner/Photographer/Hot Dog and Popcorn Seller/Spectator) Addie is a sixth grader, and this is her first year and first play at Key. She is very excited to start her journey in theater. She plays lacrosse, loves baking (even if she's not so good at it), and enjoys spending time with friends and family. Addie is enthusiastic and excited to do her best in this year's play.

Molly Olson (Lamb/ Ms. County Fair Understudy) Molly is in sixth grade. This is her second Key School play, but she has done other plays and a theater camp at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. She likes singing A LOT, hanging with her friends, and being VERY GOOFY. She would like to thank her friends for all of their support and her family for their encouragement.

Who’s Who in the Cast Luisa Ostrom (Baby Spider/Dancer) Luisa is in the sixth grade. This is her first year and first play at Key. She does competitive dance at Level Dance Project and would like to thank her family and friends for their support.

Finn Powers (Gander) Finn is a sixth grader, and this is his second play. It is also his second year at Key. Finn enjoys sailing and eating food. He would like to thank his peers and his parents for all their support and encouragement.

Fiona Powers (Narrator) Fiona is in the sixth grade. She is very excited to be in her second play ever! She is twelve years old and is half Danish. She wants to thank her mom and everyone else who helped her in this production. Enjoy the show!

Julien Sabean (Avery Arable) Julien is an eighth grader, and this is his fifth play at Key. He has also done a couple of Theatre in the Park shows. He enjoys playing with his pet corgi named Holly. He has enjoyed working on this show with all of his friends, and he is really excited to perform for you! He thanks his friends and family for their support!

Genevieve Santiago (Candy Booth Seller/Fairgoer) Genevieve is a fifth grader, and this is her first year at Key. She enjoys being outdoors, paddleboarding, and swimming. She’s excited to perform in front of the Key audience for the first time.

Who’s Who in the Cast Mia Shapiro (Old Sheep) Mia is a student at Key who loves theater and performing. She has participated in two plays at Key School and a couple of productions outside of school. She enjoys doing skits at camps and making people laugh. Mia is working on becoming more enthusiastic on stage and is grateful for the support she receives.

Zema Stephen (Edith Zuckerman) Zema is a sixth grader, and this is her second play at Key. She enjoys singing and hanging out with friends. She does theater camp at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis and has done an improv class. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her all the way to the end, and she is excited to see where her theater journey leads her.

Gabby Stephenson (Ms. County Fair) Gabby is a sixth grader, and this is her second play at Key. She enjoys playing soccer on her club team, competitive dance, and hanging out with her friends. She has been in The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (Queen/Enchantress), Finding Nemo (Dory), and theater camp at Key each summer. Gabby would like to thank her friends and family for their support and, most importantly, Mrs. DW, Ms. Jordyne, and the cast and crew for making this play so much fun for her.

Charlotte Stokes (Fern Arable) Charlotte LOVES acting!!! This is her first Middle School play and definitely not her last! Charlotte has been in a couple of different plays, but one of her favorite ones was Shrek. Her biggest dreams are to be an amazing actress when she grows up, and to meet her favorite Julie Andrews. Charlotte loves to golf, swim, ski, and rock climb. She wants to thank her parents for all their support in this show.

Rylea Tower (Candy Booth Seller/Fairgoer) Rylea is a fifth grader. She enjoys annoying her brother, playing sports, and hanging out with her friends. She wants to thank her friends for encouraging her to act in this production.

Who’s Who in the Cast Brooks Wroten (Goose) Brooks is a sixth grader and is very excited to return to the Key School stage. She enjoys going to the beach, watching scary movies with friends, and playing basketball and lacrosse at Key. Every summer, Brooks loves going to sleepaway camp. Brooks would like to thank her mom for helping her prepare for the audition.

Scarlett York (Sheep) Scarlett is a seventh grader, and this is her third play at Key! She enjoys listening to Conan Gray, hanging out with her friends, watching movies, and theater. She was in the 2023 show of The Con, the 2024 show of Brother Grimm Spectaclathon, and is excited to be in Charlotte's Web. Although she hasn't had the biggest roles, she is glad to do her best and help make this show great! She would like to thank her friends, her fellow actors in the show, her close friends in the show, and her family for their support and encouragement.

Special Thanks to...

To our TERRIFIC parent volunteers who helped with our set, props, snacks, ticket and concession sales, and so much more! Thanks to Ms. Lisa, Ms. Aimee, Ms. Hernandez, Margie Ross, Kate Austin, and Mr. Magnus for all the extra ways they helped with this production. Special thanks to all the students who worked super hard to make this SOME PLAY. Finally, to the eighth graders, a big congratulations! We will miss you so much! Finally and most importantly, an extra special thank you to my son, Castin DillonWilliams. I can’t wait to sit down to dinner with you again five nights in a row! I love you more than Fern loves Wilbur and more than Wilbur loves Charlotte. I hope forever is enough.

Production Team Director Producer ...........................................................Jeanne Dillon-Williams Assistant Director .................................Jordyne Hebron, Connor Squires ‘26 Assistant Producers ...........................................Tiffany Joly, Ketsy Hernandez Set Design and Lead Carpenter ......................................Aimee Dillon-Williams Assistant Carpenter ...............................................................................Gabby Bly Set Decoration and Web .....................................................................Tiffany Joly Scenic Painting .................................Aoife Lennon ’26, Tommy Donnelly ’26 Christina Fitch-LookFong Choreographer .........................................................................Imani Gikuuri ’30 Costume Assistant ..............................................................Madison Barnett ’29 Stage Manager ..........................................................................Archer Calise ’30 Assistant Stage Manager .........................................................Sam Brennan ’30 Light Design ....................................Madison Barnett ’29 & Aurelia Mapp ’26 Light Board Operator .........................................................Madison Barnett ’29 Assistant Light Board Operator ..............................................Henry Legum ’31 Spotlight Operator ..............................................................Malcolm Goebel ’31 Sound Design and Board Operator ....................................Matthew Fitzgerald Assistant Sound Board Operator ..........................................Luke Spangler ’31 Stage Crew ..................River Heckwolf ’33, Finn Kelly ’33, Keegan Kelly ’33 Larysa Kohutiak ’33, Hazel Murray ’32, Jackson Startt ’33 Braiden Startt ’31, Henry Zhou ’33 Poster & Program Design...................................................................Margie Ross Production Photography ................................................................ David Trozzo Photography & Publicity ........................................Kate Austin, Mary MacLeod Jey Molina-Mabe