Mayan Cook, director, Chalina Abreu, Charlotte, Brionna Colvin, director, and Annabelle Martin, Wilbur, pose in front of the Struthers Library Theatre.

Warren Players Jack in the Box productions will feature the classic “Charlotte’s Web” from July 18 to 21. Jack in the Box productions are all children’s casts, and the shows are free to audition and participate in for children in the county.

While there hasn’t been a Jack in the Box production since 2019, directors Mayan Cook and Brionna Colvin decided to take on the challenge of an all-children’s cast with this story of friendship.

The Children’s Literature Association named Charlotte’s Web “the best American children’s book of the past 200 years.” With themes of friendship and perseverance, it is a classic story that young and old love.

Choosing the play Charlotte’s Web, written by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette, was not complicated for Cook and Colvin. They have been friends since fourth grade and grew up doing theater at Struthers Library Theater. The pair knew they wanted to direct a show together, and this show offered a theme of friendship, included a large cast to include many children, and the story is a favorite of both directors.

Cook said, “There is so much talent in this cast, and it was tough to decide on the roles.” The suggested cast of 30, which both directors said they were set on sticking to, grew to 38.

“We were firm on 30 actors max, and then we held auditions, and we both knew that there were no reasons to cut any of the kids who auditioned,” Colvin said. “They were all amazing.”

Continuing to impress their directors, rehearsal ran “books down” last week, and all of the children had their lines memorized and needed very few cues.

All kids under 18 attending the Warren Players’ Jack in the Box Production of Charlotte’s Web at the historic Struthers Library Theatre will receive a free copy of the E.B. White book, “Charlotte’s Web,” courtesy of Warren Players. After the show, they can get their books signed by their favorite characters, making it a truly memorable experience.

Tickets are on sale now at Struthers Library Theatre with pricing $18 for adults; Seniors (65 +), $16; students (6 to 17), $14; and children (5 and under) are Free.

Show dates are July 18 at 7 p.m., July 19 at 7 p.m., July 20 at 7 p.m., and July 21 at 2 p.m.