[ theater ]

The timeless charms of E.B. White's classic Charlotte's Web speak for themselves, but Whit MacLaughlin's sprightly new staging of Joseph Robinette's straightforward adaptation for the Arden Theatre Co. provides an additional layer of magic with a low-tech, actor-centric, audience-involving approach. Actors in a great all-Philly ensemble play musical instruments, move from human to animal characters with minor costume changes, and invite kids on stage. They even use fans to share the flowery smells of a spring morning. We're always reminded that this is a play that depends on the audience's imagination — a great lesson in itself, beyond what Wilbur the pig (Aubie Merrylees) and Charlotte the spider (Sarah Gliko) share about friendship.

Through Feb. 3, $16-$32, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, ardentheatre.org.