THEATER PREVIEW:

While South Coast Repertory celebrates the old (the upcoming “The Importance of Being Earnest”) and the new (the current “A Feminine Ending”), younger audiences are hardly overlooked.

Two other shows, targeted for young people, are in the works — the just-launched Educational Touring Production of a new musical play and the Theater for Young Audiences revival of the children’s classic “Charlotte’s Web.”

The touring show has been a company staple for most of SCR’s 43-year history and deals with topical subjects presented to grade schoolers in a lively, tuneful fashion. This year’s offering is entitled “You’re Getting Warmer” and promotes energy conservation.

Written by Richard Hellesen and Michael Silversher — and directed for the 36th consecutive season by John-David Keller — the new show focuses on the threat of global warming, epitomized by a young boy named Alex whose home is filled with computers, cell phones and iPods.

The air conditioner also is turned up full blast, thanks to the polar bear in the basement.

Polar bear? Yes, since his climate is heating up, the bruin takes refuge in an air-conditioned house. Getting him home again is the mission of the show as it blends entertainment with education.

This year’s tour began a week ago and will run through May 3 at various grade schools in Orange County. Schools wishing to book “You’re Getting Warmer” should contact the SCR Education Department at (714) 708-5549.

“Charlotte’s Web” will mount the Julianne Argyros Stage for a three-weekend engagement, beginning Feb. 8. It’s adapted from the E.B. White book by Joseph Robinette and is directed by Shelley Butler.

Charlotte, you may recall, is a barnyard spider who weaves messages. At SCR she’ll be played by Diane Burbano, with Guilford Adams as her buddy Wilbur the pig. Sol Castillo, a veteran of seven productions of “La Posada Magica,” also will appear, along with Jennifer Chang and Preston Maybank.

The show will be presented at 7 p.m. Fridays and at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 24. Tickets may be ordered by calling the box office at (714) 708-5555.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.