When a new piglet, Wilbur (Kellan McMichael) shows up in the barn, he faces a bewildering mix of falsely solicitous friendships, and some true friends who are determined to save his life.

Sad and joyful while teaching valuable life’s lessons, Joseph Robinette’s adaptation of E. B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” is a top-of-the-list classic presented by Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s Young Company, through July 31, Air Products Open Air Theatre, DeSales University.

Wilbur (McMichael) is delightful as a trusting, naïve new kid trying to make friends while making sense out of life.

His best friend turns out to be that lowliest and despised of creatures, an erudite arachnid named Charlotte (Megan Castellane).

Castellane’s tender portrayal of a literary web-spinner is lovely to witness as she, while foreshadowing her fate, determines to help her friend even if it’s the last thing she ever does. “I plan to help save Wilbur.”

As characters go, few are more memorable than Templeton the Rat (Mark Yowakim). Yowakim seems perfect in the role as a free-loading but literate opportunist whose noble impulses (kind of) shine through when the chips are down.

Goose (Alaina Hurley) and Gander (Matthew Camardo) get kudos for being the funniest couple in the barnyard. From their creative costuming (Amy Best) to their tendency to say words three times, these two are charming.

Fern Arable (Gabrielle Mosely) is the nicest kid in the world as she adopts Wilbur after saving him. Mosely is terrific as a kind-hearted and high-spirited little girl.

Fern’s father, Arable (Gabe Moses), is likable as the pragmatic farmer with a runt “nothing but trouble” pig and as a dad with a soft heart.

Fern’s younger brother, Avery (Katie McGlone), is totally convincing as a rambunctious 10-year who is just as likely to squish a spider as he is to pet a pig.

Farmer Zuckerman (Kayman Brown) is solid in the role as a no-nonsense agriculturist who suddenly sees the high-profit potential of a runt pig who has attracted the public’s attention as being “Some Pig.”

Farmhand Lurvy (Ryan Reyes) is friendly and abetting as he feeds Wilbur while darkly suggesting his ultimate fate.

President (Zoe Fox) is impressive as she hands out awards in her role as the County Fair executive.

Old Sheep (Megan Dean) is innocently cynical as she offers Wilbur her friendly advice: “They are going to kill you.”

Though uncredited, the role of Uncle, the fattest pig: well-done and without ham.

Director Matt Pfeiffer brings out the cast’s best in this beautifully-done children’s play with a life-size, believable barn designed by Baron E. Pugh and with sound design by David M. Greenberg.

Tickets: www.pashakespeare.org; 610-282-WILL (9455)