This year’s Upper School production, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” will be performed at the Imperial Center on March 22 and 23 at 7:00 pm. Performing on a much larger stage with more comfortable seating for the audience, the RMA theater department is stepping it up and hopes that everyone will come out to support the arts. Directed by the talented Drama Teacher, Mrs. Dawn Whitehurst, this show is sure to be a hit. Along with Mrs. Whitehurst, Gloriane Jeffreys and Shawn Leonard are in charge of music with Pat Petruziello as the choreographer. The cast and crew’s hard work began in early January with auditions and has continued on almost every day since then for rehearsal. Rehearsals have been spent blocking scenes, learning the music, learning choreography and then putting it all together. Rehearsals will move to the Imperial Center the week of the play in order for the performers and crew to get used to the new stage and work with their lights and sound.  For the first time, most cast members will have their own microphone to ensure the best sound quality possible.

Everyone’s favorite comic comes to life in this classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang is here: perfectionist Sally is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder who doesn’t give her the time of day, Snoopy is in the doghouse, and “blockhead” himself, Charlie Brown, is in full force. Scenes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair. In this revised version, the sweet, joyful innocence of the Peanuts gang is maintained, but a fresh nonchalance and playfulness is revealed.

The show boasts an all-star cast of juniors with Johnhenry Wirman as Charlie Brown, Joe Cockrell as Linus, Joseph Petruzziello as Schroeder and Anna Penwell as Lucy. In the words of Anna Penwell, Lucy, “I love this play, it is so much fun. The hardest part for me is trying not to forget anything but it is definitely coming along well.” Both seniors Anna Scott Wingfield as Sally, and Lindy Pittman as Snoopy, are thrilled for the show but not without a hint of bittersweet as it is their last RMA production. Rounding out the cast is the lovely ensemble made up of Lauren Seale, Holly Brantley, Chandler Gazaway, Gabby Hickman, and Vivian Rogers. When asked about her experience with her first upper school play, freshman Vivian Rogers stated, “I’m learning a lot about acting and I’m super excited for the show!” Also a very important key to the success of the play is the group of middle schoolers and high schoolers working on sets, making props, working sound and spotlights and lending a helping hand wherever they are needed. Emory Pittman, Krutik Patel, Sarah Stancavish, Mason Kolesar, Gracie Tharin, Juhi Salunke, Mary Marshall Martin, Porter Petruzziello and many others have been extremely helpful to the cast and directors.

Whether you’re keen to fly with the Red Baron, moon over the Moonlight Sonata, or just do your best to find “Happiness,” You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a crowd-pleasing classic. Tickets will be available at the door $10 for Adults and $5 for Students and Senior Citizens. Support the arts and help us fill the auditorium with students, faculty, family, friends and anyone else who wants to join!