YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Auditorium

Charlie Brown takes the stage at EJHS

March 01, 2007|Katheran Wasson

Half of the bulbs that light the stage at the East High auditorium had to be replaced this week, and there's a cold going around among the cast of eight.

But as they say, the show - in this case, the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - must go on, and it premieres tonight at 7 p.m.

Devon Skeens plays Charlie Brown, a dejected kind of kid who, despite the play's complimentary title, is disliked by his friends, his sister and even his dog, Snoopy (Geni Beach). He longs for a "little red-headed girl" who ignores him, is constantly tricked by the cunning Lucy (Liz Skovron and Emily Sams), and he can't even get his kite to fly.

It's a feeling many can relate to, said director Ben Brown, a choir teacher at East.

"It's a universal story," he said. "Charlie Brown is the everyman at his lowest, while still having the courage to keep going."

The funny, uplifting and well-known story from the "Peanuts" comic strip is interpreted on stage as a series of vignettes and musical numbers.

Some of the sketches involve the entire cast, but others are as simple as one character crossing the stage, uttering a single line, as Linus (Keegan Smith), does when he sucks his thumb and says, "I think I'm losing my flavor."

The cast also features Kristen Moser and Shayna Chamberlin sharing the role of Sally Brown, Charlie's little sister and avid rope-jumper, and Randy Smith as the piano prodigy Schroeder. East High parent Saylor Adams designed and created the vibrant, easily recognizable costumes.

"These are cultural icons," Brown said. "You can show anyone a picture of Snoopy and they will know who it is."

Brown is in his first year of teaching at East High.

"This is my first time doing the directing thing," he said. "I'm amazed at the depth of talent here."

He chose "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" because he had experience with it, and he wanted to start with a small cast.

"It's the right size for this theater, and I've played Snoopy before so I was familiar with it," he said.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" debuts tonight in the East High auditorium, and continues March 2 at 5 p.m., March 3 at 7 p.m. and March 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students with identification. For more information call East High at 885-7240.

|

|

|