NEW ROCHELLE, NY — When you watch the Peanuts gang in a musical and you see some unexpected twists – such as Linus’ blanket singing and dancing – you’re not dreaming. You’re watching “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” as staged by TheatreWorks at New Rochelle High School.
The production, playing March 15 through 17, adds some new roles and comic bits.
“I wanted the students to have an opportunity to put their own stamp on a show that many people are familiar with,” said teacher Anthony Stirpe, the director. “I wanted them to experience the thrill of audience participation, and I wanted to push them as actors, placing them in positions where they would have to think outside the box.”
“It’s so much fun to watch,” said junior Chloe Werner, who plays Lucy. “There’s so much schtick and so many musical numbers. And there’s also a lot of audience interaction, so it’s a lot of fun.”
Some of that interaction comes from senior Rebecca Dubin, who plays Sally, Charlie Brown’s younger sister.
“Act II opens with me yelling at the audience, so that’s really fun,” she joked.
“I feel like there’s something in it for all ages,” said junior Jazz Jenkins.
The show plays Thursday March 15 through Saturday March 17. It begins at 7:30 p.m. each day, with a matinee performance on Saturday only at 2 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $7 for students. The Saturday matinee performance is free for children under 10 and senior citizens.