‘Charlie Brown’ musical playing on Lopez

Featuring an all-Lopez youth cast ranging in age from 9-12, the musical is sure to delight audiences with the openness of childhood innocence.

By Chom Greacen

Special to the Weekly

American classic Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” characters that we know and love will be brought to life in an upcoming musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Featuring an all-Lopez youth cast ranging in age from 9-12, the musical is sure to delight audiences with the openness of childhood innocence. The play depicts an average day of Charlie Brown and his friends, filled with life’s precious little moments, from Snoopy as a pilot dueling with his World War I foe to Lucy espousing her philosophy of life, and from wild optimism to utter despair.

“We’ve worked really hard practicing the play throughout the summer with the hope that we will raise money for school activities. I learned a lot about acting and am inspired to sing more,” said Sara Greacen, 10, who plays Peppermint Patty.

The young cast members were also involved in other aspects of production such as painting of the stage sets.

The play is directed by Alan DiBona, in collaboration with Ingrid Vliet as the music director and Rosie Sumner, the vocal coach. Andrea O’Bryant helps with choreography.

All the proceeds from the play will benefit education of island youth, through Lopez Island Education Foundation, whose mission is to support educational enrichment opportunities. The Thrift Shop, Family Resource Center and Lopez Library provided financial support to defray the costs of the play production.

There are three scheduled performances: 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Lopez School outdoor lawn by the gym. Rain location is the school MPR room. Admission by donation. Dress according to weather. Come enjoy a light-hearted performance and support Lopez youth and their education. Refreshments provided.