Schulz's 'Charlie Brown' Characters Come To Life To Benefit Boomerang Backpacks
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
If Charlie Brown was a real person and not a comic strip character, he might be pretty excited that Warsaw Community High School’s inducted Thespian members and seniors are raising money for a good cause with a production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Half of the proceeds from the musical are going to Warsaw Community Schools’ Boomerang Backpacks. The program helps to nourish economically challenged elementary students on weekends during the school year by providing backpacks full of healthy food. It also provides a community service opportunity for WCHS students as they fulfill the WCS mission of enriching the lives of others, according to information from coordinator and head nurse Tracey Akers. Currently, the WCS Boomerang Backpacks program has 435 students from Leesburg, Lincoln, Harrison, Jefferson, Claypool and Madison getting a backpack each Friday, Akers said. the cost of food is approximately $3 each, or about $100 per student per year. All the funds it raises comes directly back to the local chapter, Akers said. “We truly appreciate the support from the community for this worthwhile program,” she said. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the WCHS Black Box Theatre. All tickets are $10. Seating is limited so early purchase of tickets is encouraged, cash or check only. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. The 1967 musical comedy features music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Songs in the show include “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Schroeder,” “Snoopy” and “Happiness,” among others. The cast, in order of appearance, is: Bailey Berelsman as Linus VanPelt; Colton Andrews, Charlie Brown; Gabi Bradley, Sally Brown; Kendra Housel, Lucy VanPelt; Sam Engle, Schroeder; Elizabeth Brown, Snoopy; and Ellie Hepler as Woodstock. Director is Dana McAfee, musical director is Thomas Hall. The rest of the crew is Leonard Gagnon, technical manager; Bryce Mustain and Caleb Remocaldo on lights; Cailin Clay, sound; Gus Gigous and Brooke Neubaum, stage crew; Jim Cox and Dan Wray, set design; and Jean Beeson, costumes. In the orchestra pit will be Lucas Cone, Thomas Hall and Erin Mills on keyboards; Emily Mikel and Emily Sumner on reeds; and Lleyton Brainard on percussion.
