“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” will be on stage at New London High School Auditorium Nov. 4, 5 and 6. Performances take place at 7 p.m. nightly.
Like the syndicated comic strip series “Peanuts” that preceded this 1990’s off-Broadway play, Charlie Brown (played by senior Lucas Jensen) always has a problem to solve, or an irritation to itch. Timeless childhood friends Linus (Jake Beckman) and Schroeder (Luke Jarchow) flank him in their methodical movements, and reactions from Lucy (Anna Solberg) and Peppermint Patty (Miranda Pittler) keep the series of short skits in Act I and II moving.
It’s a simple set and a smaller cast than most high school productions. Some will love it and others not, just like the comic strip.
Throughout the show, Charlie Brown (Lucas Jensen) wonders aloud whether he really is a “good man.” As he intensely debates whether to say hello to his crush, the Little Red-Haired Girl, the audience may relive a memory or two from their first crush.
Later in the show, Charlie Brown performs a hilarious duet with Lucy, “The Doctor is In,” and another with the ensemble song, “The Baseball Game.”
Not to be forgotten, Snoopy (Tanner Mastaw) makes himself known too.
Three musical numbers and plenty of background action keep the ensemble cast busy.
The ensemble includes Clara Newton, Karlee Crain, Amber Hudson, Casey Houlihan, Shaylyn Rand, Julia Huested, Haley Steffanus, Melissa Glynn, Kaitlin Brant, Erica Wegner, Abigail Ruckdashel, Zanna Zehner and Sebiana Salinas.
Director Joan Malliet is excited and confident the students are ready to perform. “They’ve been working since the beginning of the school year and are solid with their parts,” said Malliet.
A welcome addition to the technical staff is a professional lighting technician from the Milwaukee area who has volunteered his time and expertise. Joe Dolphin will mentor young stage technicians just learning the process while he works his magic with the show.
Reserved tickets are $9. Tickets will be sold at the high school: Nov. 1 to 3 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Nov. 4, 5, and 6 – 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.