Charlotte’s Web
April 4 - April 19
Adapted by Joseph Robinette. Based on the book by E.B. White
Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois
The Children's Literature Association named this "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years," and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.
CAST
HALEY IVERSON (Wilbur)
Haley is thrilled to be making her Harmony debut in CHARLOTTE’S WEB! Since the Covid lockdown, she hasn’t performed much besides her senior year musical, MAMMA MIA!, and most recently, JERSEY BOYS at LaComedia Dinner Theatre. She has been performing since the age of 7, and is excited to be starting her professional musical theatre career. Some of her favorite rolls include Francine Valli in JERSEY BOYS, The Genie in ALADDIN, Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Elsa in FROZEN and Featured Ensemble in MAMMA MIA!. She wishes you a memorable stay with us today, and hopes you enjoy our performance!
SAMANTHA BAGDON (Charlotte)
Now based in NYC, Samantha grew up in New Hampshire where she received her B.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from Plymouth State University. Previous appearances at Myers/Harmony: OUR TOWN, A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, CINDERELLA and MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Regional credits include: HAIRSPRAY, SHREK THE MUSICAL, INTO THE WOODS, I LOVE YOU BECAUSE. Enjoy the show!
AUSTIN MICHAEL RUSSELL (Templeton)
Austin Michael Russell (he/him) is an Actor, Writer, Fight Choreographer, and Director — as well as an alum of the University of Memphis Dept. of Theatre and Dance. He has performed all around the eastern United States professionally. He is so honored to be on his second show with Harmony! Notable Shows include — Harmony: John Truitt - MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Roxy Regional: Brad - ROCKY HORROR SHOW, OK Shakes: Claudio - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING; THE LOST COLONY, and UNTO THESE HILLS— He would like to dedicate this show to his Aunt Kristi, who taught him the power of a story and education at such a young age - and continues to inspire him! @austinmichael.acts
GRETA SHAMBARGER (Fern Arable)
Greta’s grateful to be back for another production in Hillsboro! She was previously seen on the Harmony stage in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Marta), MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (Agnes), and MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Susan). A sixth-grader from Westfield, IN, Greta’s favorite places are rehearsal rooms and on stage. She’s been so fortunate to learn about theatre from the best in the business here at Harmony and in youth, community and professional theatres in the Indianapolis area. Some of Greta’s favorite roles include Rhoda Penmark in THE BAD SEED, Shprintze in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Lavender in MATILDA THE MUSICAL, and both Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde in productions of WILLY WONKA JR. Greta’s training includes Broadway Artists Alliance (NYC) and Second City (Chicago). When not at school, in rehearsal or at a show, Greta’s almost certainly on a FaceTime call with friends. She also enjoys sleeping.
DON HART (Homer Zuckerman)
Don Hart was last seen in a sling and temporary cast (which he used for holding his props) as Inspector Hubbard in DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER. Other favorite roles include: Gunner Johnson in DON’T HUG ME, Harvey Feldman in BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, Eddie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and Noah in both musicals, THE ARK and TWO BY TWO. THANK YOU for supporting live theater in Hillsboro! Enjoy the show!
TERESA ROSS (Edith Zuckerman)
Teresa is grateful to be performing in her fourth season at The Harmony Theater (formerly Myers Dinner Theatre). Previous roles include: Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS; Stepmother in CINDERELLA; Esther in TWO BY TWO; Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS; Reverend Mother in NUNSENSE 2; Clara in DON’T HUG ME. Teresa earned music education degrees from Indiana University (B.M.E.) and Indiana State University (M.M.E.). Retired from teaching music and drama in Indiana and Illinois, Teresa teaches private music lessons, writes songs and devotionals, and volunteers at the horse camp at Hanging Rock Christian Camp. Teresa sends special love to her children, Brandon and Amber.
NATE MARCUM (John Arable)
Nate is utterly ecstatic to be making his Harmony debut! He is from Wheelersburg, OH, which is smaller than Mayberry and larger than Hillsboro. He now resides in beautiful Dayton, OH, where he participates in as much theater as possible, as well as volunteering at his favorite local museum, Carillon Historical Park. He'd like to extend his deepest gratitude to Rebecca for her friendship and direction, to the whole Harmony team for the opportunity and welcome, to his mother and aunt for reasons innumerable, and Frankie the cat for his unwavering support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
CLARISSA MCCULLOUGH (Martha Arable)
Clarissa is the third child of eleven children and loves to spend her free time reading or hanging out with her siblings. Some of her favorite memories include performing in musicals with her siblings and friends, attending How to Train Your Dragon in concert, and taking camping trips to National Parks with her grandparents. She loves warm, spring days, the fall season, and her cat, Beatrice. When she isn’t performing she’s most likely writing. Some of her previous favorite roles are: Phoebe D’Ysquith in A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, Lily Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN and Wednesday Addams in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. She’s excited to be joining The Harmony Theater family!
ALEXIA DANIELS (Goose/Announcer)
Alexia is very excited to be making her debut at The Harmony Theater! She is a graduate of NKU with a B.F.A. in Acting. Some of her credits include dance captain/featured ensemble in AMERICAN IDIOT, Shellhammer in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, ensemble/ dance captain in RENT and the Wardrobe in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She would like to thank her director, Rebecca, for this amazing opportunity, her mom and dad for always being supportive, and Louise for helping her take this grand adventure! She hopes you have a goosetastic time! HONK!
SEAN STIERS (Gander/Uncle)
Sean is very excited to work on his first production with The Harmony Theater. He is a recent graduate from Anderson University with a BA in Music. When he's not doing theater, he enjoys singing, reading, and writing his own stories. He would like to thank his parents for their support and AU for helping to develop his craft. He hopes you enjoy the show.
ELI MILLER (Lurvy)
Eli is currently a freshman at Fountain Central High School. He is excited to be returning to the stage. He was last seen in MDT’s production of TWAIN’S TALE OF TOM AND HUCK as Sidney. His credits also include MDT’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC as Kurt von Trapp and in A CHRISTMAS STORY as Schwartz. In his spare time he enjoys video games and playing on his drum set. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.
GABE REYNOLDS (Avery Arable)
Gabe is 14 years old and attends Brownsburg Schools. His favorite roles include: Wizard - ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (The Biz Theatrical Productions); Augustus Gloop- WILLY WONKA (Hendricks Civic Theater); Lollipop Guild/Flying Monkey- THE WIZARD OF OZ (Beef & Boards), amongst many other roles. Gabe also enjoys show choir, tap classes and gaming. He would like to thank his family for their full support in all his experiences!
LEXY (CHRISTIAN) PEREZ (Sheep/Fairgoer)
Lexy is 19 years old and lives in Brownsburg, Indiana. She has been performing since she was 9 years old! She has acted in many different community theatres in and around the Hendricks County area. Her favorite credits include Horton in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL with the Biz Academy of Musical Theatre, Amos Hart in CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION with the Biz Academy of Musical Theatre, Shrek in SHREK THE MUSICAL with Tri-West High School Drama, and Agatha Trunchbull in MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Hendricks Civic Theatre. When not on stage, Lexy loves to work behind the scenes. Whether that means assistant directing or choreographing, Lexy is up for it! Lastly, she would like to thank Linz Doty, Jeff Van Paris, and the entire Biz Academy for all their support, but most of all TJ Bird, who has made her feel at home at Harmony. Enjoy the show!
GABRIELLE BEERBOWER (Lamb/Fairgoer)
Gabrielle is a homeschooled 6th grader who has been participating in theater for most of her life. Her older brother began participating in musical theater when she was two years old, so she grew up backstage in the theater world. Gabrielle enrolled in her first preschool theater classes at age 3, and was in her first production shortly before entering Kindergarten. Her favorite shows that she’s performed in include HONK! JR (Beaky), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR (Chip), and most recently ONCE UPON A MATTRESS YPE (Ensemble). Gabrielle is grateful to use her theater talents to make theater accessible to all and volunteers with My Time to Shine during the summers, which is a program in Hendricks County that provides an opportunity for people with special needs to perform in a musical theater production. When not on stage, Gabrielle enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and playing with her cat.
VICTORIA BEHNY (Narrator)
Victoria Behny is a singer and actor based in Terre Haute Indiana. This is her second show here at The Harmony Theater! She is currently pursuing a degree in theater. Her most recent shows are: Ariel in THE TEMPEST, The Snail in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, Jane Doe in RIDE THE CYCLONE, and Cinderella once again in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA.
PRODUCTION STAFF
TJ BIRD (Artistic Director, Light & Sound Design, Costume & Set Design)
TJ is from Decatur, IN, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's in Voice Performance. Career highlights include: Training and touring for Missoula Children's Theatre, performer and Company Manager for Round Barn Theatre, Teaching Theater Artist for Kidstock! Creative Theater, Artistic Associate for Towle Theater, and performing many other staff and technical positions throughout their career. Favorite performance credits include: Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS, Eugene in SH-BOOM!, Leslie in LOVE, SEX & THE I.R.S., Pap/King in BIG RIVER, Mr. Bumble in OLIVER, and Willard Hewitt in FOOTLOOSE! Sending love and thanks to their family and friends that support their dreams, and thank YOU for supporting live theater! travisbird.weebly.com
REBECCA LEA (Director, Projections)
Rebecca is thrilled to make her directorial debut in her fourth season here at Harmony! She relocated to Hillsboro from St. Louis, MO and became a full-time staff member/resident artist for the theater in 2024. Rebecca holds a degree in Voice Performance from Ball State University. Favorite performance credits include: Doris Walker in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, Sister Robert Anne in NUNSENSE 2, Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Doralee in 9 TO 5, and Deb in ELF. She is incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences she’s been given through this theater. Rebecca extends her deepest gratitude to her loved ones for all of their support, encouragement and constant reassurance in all of her endeavors. And, of course, thank YOU for being here today - enjoy!
JESSICA ALLTOP (Production Stage Manager, Props Designer)
Jessica is from Terre Haute, IN where she received a Bachelor’s in Theatre from Indiana State University. She lives with her husband, Ethan, their three cats, Coretta, Beanie Baker, and Refried, and her rather large houseplant collection. Jessica has been working at The Harmony Theater (formerly Myers Dinner Theatre) off and on since 2012 in a few different positions including Costume Assistant/Seamstress, Costumer, Prop Manager, and Production Stage Manager. Some career highlights include: Stage Manger for THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE with Crossroads Repertory Theatre (both in house and local tour), Core Member/Stage Manager for Theater 7, multiple summer seasons as Stage Manager with Putnam County Playhouse and Crossroads Repertory Theatre, and Stage Manager for the COMING TO SEE AUNT SOPHIE tour to the Chopin Theatre through Crossroads Repertory Theatre. Many thanks to her family and friends for their love and support!
ELINDA DOTY (Costume Assistant)
Elinda is from Avon, IN and enjoys working with local community theaters. She is the costumer for Brownsburg High School Concert & Show Choirs. Hoping to keep an asthmatic child of the 60's entertained on the couch, Mom enrolled me in "Craft of the Month". Much to her dismay the result was me repurposing my new tangerine orange swimsuit into a babydoll dress. Since my 1st machine at age 10, sewing is still my happy place. Thanks for all the support from family and friends.