Good Grief! Newport Students Score Leads in Charlie Brown Play

Theater Ensemble will perform "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which will open on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at the Hill Arts & Athletics Center. The play will run through Saturday, March 5.

Several Newport student will star in the play based off the classic cartoon made famous by Charles Schultz and the 1960s musical by Clark Gesner. Peter Shanley will play the lead role as Charlie Brown, Pete Staples will perform as his thumb-sucking, blanket-clutching friend Linus, and Hannah Brennan will play the happy-go-lucky Woodstock. Will Tarantino, of Jamestown, will play Snoopy.  The fifth- through eighth-graders in the play are part of the school's year-round drama program. Stagecraft head Ellyn Eaves-Hileman created the scenic design. 

“This is a fun, fast-paced musical. There's singing, dancing, and joy to share,” said Christina Johnston, director and drama department head. Johnson said the entire Peanuts gang "shows up to share a typical day in the life of that lovable blockhead, Charlie Brown. We get a glimpse into the ups and downs of childhood; the elation of kite flying, the challenge of a book report on Peter Rabbit, the suspense of Little League baseball, the excitement and angst of Valentine's Day, and finally the realization that it is truly the little things that bring happiness.” 

Admission is $5 with free parking. For more information, contact Christina Johnston at 849-5970 or cjohnston@smcds.org.

Showtimes are:

• Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m.
• Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m.