'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown' in Boyertown

“Good Grief!” can be heard in the hallways of Boyertown Junior High West these days as the students are preparing for the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This year’s show promises another great night of entertainment with music for everyone to enjoy.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown follows the daily life of Charlie Brown and the other Peanuts gang members. Quinn Hair plays the role of Charlie Brown, one of the most beloved comic strip characters. Charlie Brown’s highly imaginative sidekick, Snoopy, is played by Adam Helmer. Featured Peanuts gang characters include David Helmer as the piano prodigy Schroeder; Trent Soto as the blanket-carrying Linus van Pelt; Allyson Bennett as “know-it-all” Lucy van Pelt; Kiersten Tadley as Chuck’s little sister, Sally; Ty Botts as the forever messy “Pig Pen”; Jayden Todd as Franklin; Lauren Malik as The Little Red-Haired Girl; and Mary Fetterman as Woodstock. The audience members can follow the ups and downs of the daily life of Charlie Brown. Some of the musical numbers include “Happiness”, “Beethoven Day”, and “My New Philosophy”.

In other scenes and musical scores such as “Suppertime”, “The Kite”, and “The Baseball Game”, cast members consist of Calista Bender as Marcie; Makya Davis as “Peppermint Patty”; Lauren Bergen as Patty; and Molly Kulp as Violet Gray. These toe tapping ladies are also featured as the talented Woodstock dancers. Snoopy dancers Cassidy Mullin, Jillian Meitzler, Madelyn Hair, and Erica Blue also deliver high energy performances throughout the show. Capturing the rest of the Peanuts gang are Allysa Minich as Frieda, Ryan Jacobs as Shermy, and Seth Dawicki as Rerun van Pelt.

Other cast members include Cecelia Howald, Kiara Collins, Juliana Glasner, Bella Nye, Kaylee Christman, Megan Droege, Jessica Neumaier, Rachel Hulswit, Rachel Moyer, Ashley Sinclair, Caroline Lewisk, Alyson O’Donnell, Ashlie Gorman, Julia Windbliel, Asea Swenk, Helena Berner, Grace Evan, Luke Cirullo, Andrew Bennett, Tim Barone, Johnny Mash, Kalton McWherter, Julian Stetka, Justing Rhoads, Robert Markosfski, Oren Fano, Connor Deskie, Daniel Trout, Michael Moser, Robert Cuthill, and Kollin Miller.

This year’s musical is directed by Andrea Hartman Cronin. In addition, musical direction and choreography is under the styling of vocal director Mr. Jeffrey Brunner. The Pit Director is Boyertown Lead Teacher for the Arts Mr. Michael Jordan. Technical director is headed by West Tech Ed teacher Mr. Ed Stallman with assistance from the West Stage Crew. Set pieces are created by some members of New Hanover Methodist Church, led by Pastor Gil Vining. Additional props and sets are made by Mr. Kevin Reigner, along with art teacher Mrs. Erica Harner and the West Select Crafts Club. Renee Allmendinger is assisting with Costume Design.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is being produced by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark, Inc. The show will be presented on Thursday, February 28 and Friday, March 1 at 7:00 PM, with a matinee performance on Saturday, March 2 at 3:00 PM. All performances will be held at the Donald J. Kuszyk Auditorium at Boyertown Junior High West. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. All tickets are reserved seating. Cost is $5. Doors will open at 6:15. For further information, contact Mrs. Erica Creed at 610-473-3752 or go to http://www.boyertownasd.org/Domain/10.

-- Christine Hartzman