It's interesting that E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" remains so popular with kids and adults. It's a well-written, fun story full of colorful animal characters, and great moral values. But that ending! So sad! I bawled the first time I read it. But then I read the book again, so I guess the allure explains itself.

Rochester Children's Theatre brings the book - bittersweet ending and all - to the stage this weekend at Nazareth College. All the characters, from Wilbur the pig to Charlotte the motherly spider, will be played by human actors decked out in whimsical costumes.

The show runs Saturdays and Sunday, February 23-24 and March 1-2, at 2 p.m. at the Nazareth Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue. Tickets cost $12. For more information call 389-2170, or visit rochesterchildrenstheatre.org.

If the show inspires your kid to take to the stage, RCT will offer two spring acting workshops for kids 8-12. The musical theatre workshop runs Mondays 4-6 p.m. February 25-June 9, and the creative dramatics workshop takes place Thursdays 4-6 p.m. at February 28-June 12. For more information call 385-0510 or visit rochesterchildrenstheatre.org.