In the first act of “Charlotte’s Web,” Meha Shah as Charlotte works to create a message saying “terrific,” in hopes to save Wilbur. This is one of many moments that shows the kindhearted message of the childhood story on stage. 

   The middle school production of  “Charlotte’s Web” opened on April 3. The kindhearted message of show was reflected backstage with the community of actors. 

   “The cast and the dynamic, it’s such a fun environment to be in.” Stage manager Gianna Gonzalez said. “I also really connect with them.” 

   The show had four performances over the course of three days and invited the Trinity community to join and watch. The show was directed by Gail Bartells, award-winning costume designer and professional director, who took over the job of main director in February. 

   “Being the director, I supervise every aspect of the production,” Bartells said. “So I communicate with the costumes person, props person, people building the set and then I run rehearsals.” 

   Along with Bartells, freshman Gianna Gonzalez works as the stage manager. Being an older student, she is a relatable actor and enjoys meeting the cast. Her roles include getting kids ready for the shows and handling nerves.

   “I pretty much check for order,” Gonzalez said. “I make sure that everyone’s in line to do everything. I also comfort people backstage sometimes because it can be stressful for kids.” 

   Along with Gonzalez’s many roles, she does the makeup of Wilbur in the show, played by sixth grader Miles Johar. He enjoys seeing all the different costumes and meeting new friends. Having an older student as a stage manager makes Johar see Gonzalez as a role model.  

   “She knows how to lead us, and she does a good job,” Johar said.

   The main role of Charlotte is played by sixth grader Meha Shah, who said she hopes this is the first of many roles in on-campus shows. She said she enjoyed the dynamic of working with students in various grades.

   “My favorite part is just meeting the cast in general,” Shah said. “They’ve become my friends, and now I have friends from all grades.”

   Shah said there was a learning curve for playing the spider, Charlotte, and she had to learn how to step out of her comfort zone.

   “Having a character that’s nurturing and mother-like and she has to adjust for other people, I feel like that’s a whole new role for me to take on,” Shah said. “So that’s been challenging but has also been fun.” 

   According to Bartells, part of the appeal of this show is that it’s a familiar story from most people’s childhood, so it brings a great deal of nostalgia for actors and audience.

   “Discovering the story of Charlotte’s Web because it’s a classic,” Bartells said. “It’s been around for decades, and I read it when I was a kid. It’s cool to watch another generation of kids loving this story.”