The Matchbox Children’s Theatre will perform the beloved children’s tale “Charlotte’s Web” this weekend at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

Written by Joseph Robinette, the show is based on E.B. White’s story of the same name about a pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Cameron Davis will direct the show.

“It’s a very heartwarming, humorous tale about life on the farm, as told from the perspective of the animals,” said Matchbox Children’s Theatre board member Jennifer Dreyer. “It lets us see what life would be like from the other side of the pen.”

Dreyer, who portrays Wilbur the Pig in the show, has been with the Matchbox Children’s Theatre for 10 years and has performed in over 20 shows.

“It’s fun, exciting, and there are some sad, emotional parts,” said Lydia Wik, a sentiment she shares with fellow actresses Leah Hanson and Natalie Zettles. Although they are only teenagers, Wik, Hanson, and Zettles have appeared in over 50 Matchbox Children’s Theatre productions combined. They portray farm animals in the show.

“Charlotte’s Web” was chosen in an effort to promote literacy. The Children’s Literature Association designated “Charlotte’s Web” as “the best American children’s book of the past 200 years.”

“We try to use plays that can be associated with a book,” Dreyer said. “‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a fantastic story with a great storyline about friendship.”

This past weekend, the Matchbox Children’s Theatre put on the “Charlotte’s Web and Life on the Farm” event at the Austin Public Library.

Dreyer says the Matchbox Children’s Theatre’s performance of “Charlotte’s Web” will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

“There’s a lot of seasoned actors and actresses, so the show moves along at a good pace,” she said. “Cameron Davis is an incredible director who is very creative, and the Paramount is a kid friendly environment.”

“It’s one of those stories a lot of people in my generation could enjoy and it’s fun to see it brought to life,” she added.

Show times for “Charlotte’s Web” are at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 2 p.m. on  Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for youth 14 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Austin ArtWorks Center or www.etix.com/ticket/v/11298/historic-paramount-theatre.

For more information, visit www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org or call 507-437-9078.