By ERIKA POTTER

The UVU Department of Theatrical Arts opened their 2009-10 season as well as the new black box Noorda Theatre last week.

The first production began Sept. 17 with the showing of “Charlotte’s Web,” based on the classic children’s tale by E.B. White.

“I’m excited to be working on this American classic,” said Chris Clark, UVU professor of theatrical arts and director of the play. “We’re hoping to tell the story in an innovative way.”

All of the animals in “Charlotte’s Web” will be played by life-sized marionette puppets, similar to those in the Broadway musical, “The Lion King,” Clark said.

“It’s an exciting challenge to mix live actors and animal puppets onstage,” Clark said.

“Although it is a children’s story, it’s a play that I think people of all ages will enjoy.”

“Charlotte’s Web” will run through Oct. 3 with evening and matinee performances.

The play debuted in the black box Noorda Theatre, the newest theater to open in Utah County.

“You can just feel the energy in the theater,” said Jana Grass, a senior in theater education. “It’s just calling out for an audience.”

“The Noorda Theatre is a black box theater, which means that the stage is completely transformable from production to production,” said Issac Walters, coordinator of the theater. “It also features remarkable sound quality as well as innovative technology and designs that allow the cast to be more connected with the audience.”

The UVU theater’s second show will be “Something Wicked This Way Comes.”

This stage adaptation, of author Ray Bradbury’s 1962 novel, tells the tale of two young boys trapped in a nightmarish traveling carnival that comes to their town, offering to make all of their dreams and secret desires a reality, Walters said.

The production will include two midnight showings on Oct. 30 and Halloween night. Performances run Oct. 22- 31.

“We’re encouraging people to come in groups and costumes,” Walters said. “It’s a great way to enjoy Halloween and have a good time with your friends. It’s going to be really, really scary.”

Upcoming productions from the UVU Theater include Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Urinetown,” a Broadway musical and “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen.

Tickets to these performances can be purchased online at www.uvu.edu/theatre or by calling the UVU Theater Box Office at 801-863-PLAY (7529).