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The Asbury Park High School Drama Department will perform the children’s classic “Charlotte’s Web” in play form tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m.

“There’s a reason ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is considered a classic,” director Gary Kilmer said in a prepared release. “It’s a timeless tale that has kindly and gently been teaching readers for generations the value of friendship, of faith, and that life moves on even after a great loss or tragedy.”

Thus, the performance is especially pertinent following Hurricane Sandy, Kilmer said.

“This show has become a beautiful reminder of what’s truly valuable in our lives, and that life does indeed keep boldly marching forward,” he added.

The district evolved the play’s production into a district-wide literary initiative. During the summer months, Kilmer, who is also the theatre and dance teacher at the high school, researched the book and play and brought back reading and writing materials for all grade levels involving ‘Charlotte’s Web.’ He passed it on to Chrissy Coloma, community relations coordinator and Title 1 bilingual parent involvement associate. Coloma used this as a chance to get the whole district excited about the upcoming play and to involve all grade levels in a literacy-based project.

Teachers added ‘Charlotte’s Web’ to their daily lesson plans, and soon the project became an initiative across the entire district. Hallways and bulletin boards were decorated with material from the story, and children were even overheard discussing ‘Charlotte’s Web’ during lunch time.

“At this point, we knew we were up to something much bigger than we had anticipated,” Coloma said.

High school students visited the elementary schools to read to younger students, and the elementary students “were excited because they had cool high school students come into their classrooms,” while the high school students “felt this tremendous boost of self esteem as the little ones admired their reading skills,” Coloma said. “This really brought a fun-filled message of, ‘Reading is cool,’ to all students.”

Some of the high school students were cast members of the production. They practiced their animal sounds and got into character, and also taught some of the classes how to do theatre warm-ups, repeating tongue-twisters like, “an Irish wrist watch,” “toy boat,” “red leather, yellow leather,” “unique New York,” and “to speak with the tongue in the tip of the lips.”

The cast travelled to both district elementary schools on Dec. 3 to performed a shortened version of the play, as well.

The story is intended for all ages, and Coloma said today it is especially perfect for families and children. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night, with the show scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. All students and staff are free. Attendees ages 18 and up will pay $5 for admission. The play takes place in the Asbury Park High School at 1003 Sunset Ave. For more information, contact Kilmer at kilmerg@asburypark.k12.nj.us.

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