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Published on: 12/8/2006
Last Visited: 12/13/2006
David MacPherson, who plays Wilbur, says the story has wide appeal.
"If you go as an adult with no kids, you will find lots to enjoy in the show that you alone will pick up.But if you go with children, they're going to get as much out of it."
MacPherson, a principal of Kaleidoscope Theatre productions, remembers reading Charlotte's Web with his class when he was in Grade 2.
"After we finished the book, I cried - apparently, quite openly in class," he recalled laughingly.
The actor won Monday Magazine's "M" award for Most Versatile Male Actor in 2003, but still finds playing one of the most celebrated icons in children's literature difficult.
"It's a very challenging character," he said."He starts off as an innocent and during the course of the play learns quite a bit about life and the challenges of life, and the tragedy of life."
It's a lot to pack into a 90-minute performance, but MacPherson's ability as a physical actor helps to flesh the character out.
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MacPherson says the young actresses deliver a convincing performance.
"To see these kids give really authentic, beautiful moments on stage - it breaks my heart sometimes."
Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions is a professional group: all members of the cast are paid a wage and expected to learn their lines for performances and practice blocking at home.
"Aside from communication techniques, there's no real difference with how (the director) would deal with me as he would with the youngest member in the cast," MacPherson said.
The play is directed by Leslie D. Bland, whom MacPherson says has an ability to "weave magic" on stage.