Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip will come to life in Boca Raton when Sol Children Theatre presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The musical, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, will run from August 3 – 19 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.
The whole gang will be there: bossy Lucy, hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder; perfectionist Sally, harassing blanket-toting Linus; Snoopy, in (or on) his doghouse and of course, ‘Blockhead’ himself, Charlie Brown. Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair. But through it all, the sweet, joyful innocence of the Peanuts gang stays true.
Courtney Poston will direct the production: “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to direct You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and to help keep Peanuts alive for this younger generation,” she says. “I grew up on the comics and TV show, as did my parents (and grandparents), and this musical has a special place in my heart as I played “Sally” in a production in Boca years ago. The musical is written to be performed by adults, but I think it is even more charming to have children portray these iconic characters. They deliver the lines with such honesty, and don’t even have to think about “the funny”, it just comes out naturally.
“Charlie Brown and the gang deal with such relatable topics to young people (and adults, for that matter) such as: fitting in, bullying, struggling in school, breaking bad habits, valuing your friends, etc.” she continues. “In our table read, we discussed some of these situations and to quote the kids: “Sometimes people are hard on you, sometimes you’re hard on yourself, but it’s important to find happiness in the little things and to remember your friends and family love you.”
Poston’s young cast consists of Ava Callahan as Charlie Brown (Boca Raton Community Middle School), Nisa Guvenilir as Lucy (Omni Middle School), Piper Fine as Snoopy (Citrus Cove Elementary School), Tillie Pepos-Lebrun as Schroeder (Pine Crest School), Maureen Tracy as Linus (Somerset Academy) and Eden Wexler as Sally (Del Prado Elementary School).
Sara Elizabeth Grant who is acting as both the show’s producer and choreographer has seen the show’s young cast come together and form a special bond. “An overall theme throughout You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown is that though times may be difficult, at least you’re surrounded by those who have your back,” she says. “This is a remarkably fitting production for our cast, where on the first day of rehearsal not a one of them knew each other and were so nervous, to now where they have built a sweet energetic family unit both on and off stage. It’s encouraging to watch this young group of actors tackling such difficult material with ease and confidence. They have truly embraced what it is to be the ‘Peanuts’ and are bringing this musical to life.”
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’s lighting design is by Ardean Landhuis. The show’s Scenic Artist is Kate McVay and Costume Design is by Briana Earhart. The production’s Stage Manager is Ava Cavasos, with Kimmy Wilkinson as Assistant Stage Manager.
Boca Raton’s Sol Children Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre organization founded by veteran director and actor Rosalie Grant. The company’s mission is to provide children with a safe, secure, and highly professional theatre experience. Those children, in turn, provide quality theatre experiences for audiences.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown will run from August 3 – 19 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on line at www.solchildren.org or by calling 561-447-8829. Tickets are $20; $15 for children aged 11 or younger. Call the theatre for group and industry discounted tickets. Sol Theatre is located at 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton (33431).
For more information about Sol Children Theatre, visit http://www.solchildren.org,
Sol Children Theatre
Presents
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
August 3 – 19
Based on the Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Tickets: $20 /$15 juniors (11 and under)
Tickets: 561-447-8829/http: //www.solchildren.org/
Performances:
Friday & Saturday: 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2 pm
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
http://www.solchildren.org/
Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/ SolChildrenTheatreTroupe/
This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida” (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
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