CWU CTE TO HIT THE ROAD WITH FAMILY FARM CLASSIC

April 13, 2005

Contact: Leslee Caul (509-963-1760/fax 509- 963-1767/e-mail: caull@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) will present "Charlotte's Web" as the annual CTE Youth Theatre Tour production. It opens April 22 in the Milo Smith Tower Theatre on the Ellensburg campus.

Written by acclaimed author E.B. White, "Charlotte's Web," has become a standard in American children's literature since its release in 1952. Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Joseph Robinette, the play is the same charming tale of the friendship that develops between two unlikely barnyard residents.

The story begins when a little girl named Fern saves Wilbur, the runt of a litter of piglets. Wilbur grows larger and happier, in his idyllic barnyard life, until he discovers his destiny is to become Christmas dinner! It is the love, devotion and ingenuity of an unlikely ally that saves Wilbur's life and leads him to the discovery that "It's not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer."

Described by White as a tale of "friendship and salvation, a story of miracles - the miracles of birth, the miracle of friendship, the miracle of death," CTE will bring the classic to life, under the direction of Derek Lane, CWU theatre arts professor.

The 10-member cast and crew are comprised of: Isaiah Crowson (Homer, Avery Arable and spectator No. 1) is a junior theatre arts major with a double emphasis in performance and technology/design. Crowson has appeared in the CTE student-written productions of "Hiding Places," "The Elevator" and "The Tank." He was a 2004 Irene Ryan scholarship nominee and won Best Costume Design in the Design Storm competition at the 2004 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. A graduate of Battle Ground High School, he received his associate of arts degree from Lower Columbia College, where he appeared in the "The Fantastiks," and "Antigone." He is the son of Charles and Peggy Crowson of Battle Ground.

Elizabeth Eshinski (Templeton, Uncle and loudspeaker voice) is a junior theatre arts major specializing in performance. She has been nominated twice for the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival's Irene Ryan scholarship for acting, both times for her roles in original student plays presented in the Dr. Betty Evans Original One-Act Festival. An active member of the CTE Improv troupe, she also starred as Anybodys in the 2003 CTE production of "West Side Story." Most recently she served as assistant stage manager for the award-winning CTE production of "Lloyd's Prayer." A graduate of Tyee High School, she is the daughter of Larry and Cris Eshinski of Sea-Tac.

Bridget Foley (Wilbur and Li'l Wilbur) is a senior theatre arts major with a double emphasis in performance and children's theatre. Foley has appeared in the CTE productions of "How I Learned to Drive" and the student-written one act play "Filtered Advice," as well as the CWU and Yakima Valley Community College productions of "The Vagina Monologues."

A graduate of Eisenhower High School, she earned her associate of arts degree from Yakima Valley Community College. She is the daughter of Dr. Kevin and Virginia Foley of Yakima.

Maggie Hillding (Gander, Carter, judge No. 1 and uncle's owner) is a junior theatre arts technical/design major with a minor in studio art. Hillding has appeared in two student-written plays at CTE, "Hilarity Ensues" and "Raining Lies   Dogs." She was also LeAnn, a Jet girl, in the CTE production of "West Side Story." A graduate of White River High School, she is the daughter of John and Mary Hillding of Wilktson.

Mikki Kunz (stage manager) is a senior with a double major in theatre arts/design and technology and interior design. Kunz served at CTE as master electrician for "Tartuffe," assistant technical director for "Bus Stop," assistant scenic designer for "West Side Story" and has directed two original plays. This is her first time as a stage manager. She was the recipient of the 2004 Technical Theatre award at CWU. A graduate of Wilbur High School, she is the daughter of Joseph and Susan Kunz of Wilbur.

Tina Perna (company manager and starring as Mrs. Arable, Goose and fair president) is a junior theatre arts/performance major. This is her second tour, having appeared as Moongirl in last season's "Bird Woman: The Story of Sacagawea" and serving as award-winning hair, makeup and wig designer for that production. Perna has been nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan scholarship for her roles as Dorine in "Tartuffe" and, most recently, for her role in the original student play "Posy Story." Her is an employee in the costume shop and has also worked extensively in crew and design positions at CTE. A graduate of Enumclaw High School, she is the daughter of Vince and Edith Perna of Chardon, Ohio.

Kay Parisot (technical director) is a senior theatre arts/technical and design major. Parisot has held a number of technical theatre positions during her two years with CTE, including lighting designer, properties manager, master electrician and technical director. She is an employee in the scene shop at CWU and has also appeared on stage in the student-written production of "Buttercup." A graduate of Gonzaga Prep High School and Spokane Falls Community College, she is the daughter of Michael and Lori Parisot of Spokane.

Bridè Schroeder-LaPlatney (Fern Arable, spectator No. 2 and little spider) is a senior theatre arts/youth drama major. Schroeder-LaPlatney has appeared in CTE productions of "Hayfever" and "The Laramie Project," and the CWU Empowerment Center production of "The Vagina Monologues." More recently she has directed two original student plays, "The Tank," and "Hiding Places." A graduate of Ilwaco High School and Clatsop Community College, she is the daughter of Dale Hill and Rhonda Schroeder Lee Hill of Ocean Park.

Christina Welch (Charlotte) is a junior theatre arts/performance major. Welch made her CTE debut winter quarter in the student-written production of "Posy Story." A recent transfer student, she has appeared in and worked in technical positions on numerous productions at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, where she earned her associate of arts degree, and with the Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre. A graduate of North Pole High School and UAF, she is the daughter of Michael and Aino Welch of North Pole, Alaska.

Daniel Zertuche (John Arable, Lurvy, sheep and judge No. 2) is a junior theatre arts/performance major. Zertuche made his first CTE appearance last quarter in the student-written production of "Posy Story" and served as a scene partner for two Irene Ryan scholarship nominees. He is a graduate of North Thurston High School and South Puget Sound Community College, where he appeared in several productions including: "General Washington Slept Here." He is the son of Don and Cheryl Zertuche of Lacey.

"Charlotte's Web" will be performed April 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and April 23, 24 and 30 at 1 p.m. Seating is limited, so advance tickets are recommended.

The box office is open weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance. Tickets can be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard at (509) 963-1774.

Persons of disability arrange for reasonable accommodation by calling (509) 963-2143.

"Charlotte's Web" is family theatre, suitable for all audiences. However, it is recommended that very young children be prepared for the "cycle of life" themes explored in the story.

For additional information on the play and available tour dates, please call (509) 963-1760.