Venice Little Theatre www.venicestage.com

CONTACT PERSON [NOT FOR RELEASE] : Maureen Holland, 484-4033 x 221

The classics come back – with music – to the Pinkerton Theatre in Venice on October 4 when Venice Little Theatre opens its production of Charlotte’s Web, The Musical, based on the story by E.B. White and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette with music and lyrics by Charles Strouse. It will run from October 4 through October 21, 2007 with 7:00 p.m. performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $12.00 and are on sale now at the theatre’s box office, by phone at 941-488-1115 or online at www.venicestage.com.

Sponsors for this production are Dr. & Mrs. Jonathan Fong of Venice-Ocala Heart Institute.

Charlotte’s Web is a heartwarming account of friendship, trust and sacrifice, as a bond between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider sets the pace for a beloved story.

Directing and choreographing the production is Natalia Mock, a frequent VLT performer and choreographer. She was administrator of VLT’s TheatreFest this summer. Music Director is Michelle Kasanofsky and costumes are by Nicholas Hartman. Scenic Designer is Donna Buckalter; Lighting Designer is Chris McVicker and Sound Design is by Dorian Boyd. Linda Mounce is Rehearsal Stage Manager.

In the role of Charlotte (the spider) is Clair Lockeyear and Wilbur (the pig) will be played by Katie Dunn-Rankin. Also in the cast are Amy Jo Weaver, Jeff Dunn-Rankin, Alyssa Hunek, Shane Oss, Stephen Emery, Thayer Greenberg and Logan Yates.

Playing the farm animals are Charlie Kollar, Taylor Whitehead, Rachel Henry, Ela Kitapci, Lillian Solum and Kari Solum. The Baby Spiders are played by Reese Balliet, Rebecca Betterton and Leah Henry. Understudies and ensemble members are Shawn Watkins, Patricia Avery, Hannah Betterton, Kenzie Balliet, Hayley Balliet and Sydney Starcher.

Venice Little Theatre is located at 140 West Tampa Avenue, on the island in Venice. The Box Office is still on summer hours and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday. It also opens for will call business one hour before all performances. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 941-488-1115 or online at www.venicestage.com.