By Cody Southard

Newark, Il. - Through the cast of characters in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, audiences experienced the innocence of childhood as depicted by Charles Schultz.

In the play, we follow an average day in the life of Charlie Brown through a series of comic book strip vignettes. According to the play's author Clark Gesner, "It really is just that, a day made up of little moments picked from all the days of Charlie Brown, from Valentine's Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed in with the lives of his friends (both human and non-human) and strung together on the string of a single day, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening."

The growth of the program is reflected well in this production. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown had a large, ensemble cast and a big crew. The wonderful set and props were designed in-house by the shop class. And, for the first time, Newark had live accompaniment to a musical. It was a tremendous effort and the hard work of all of the students and staff was on display this past weekend for all to see.

"We've all had days in which we've felt a bit like Charlie Brown, without a single valentine, seemingly friendless, and misunderstood," says Director Mrs. Wheeler. "Our childhood doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. In those moments of loneliness, we can celebrate our uniqueness. Despite setbacks, Charlie still tries to get that kite in the air, he continues to send valentines, and he looks for the best in humanity. He is a good man."

The cast includes Alex Bogden (Linus), Carmen Castellanos (Patty), Rachel Whitlock (Marcie), Abby McCartney (Lucy), Mike Selkow (Schroeder), Haily Rennick (Violet), Mary Martin (Frieda), Hannah Ward (Eudora), Kourtnie Haben (Sally), Olga Elizalde (the little red-headed girl), Renni Jager (Snoopy), and Max Bisaillon (Charlie Brown). This year brings musical direction by our accomplished choir teacher, Mrs. Hager.