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The show charmingly embraces the holidays with themes of faith and friendship. As the distressed Charlie tries to find purpose in the over-commercialization of the season, a school play, a quaint tree and the Gospel of Luke help him realize the true meaning of Christmas.
“It’s the fourth incarnation, and while it is the same libretto and music, the same sets and costumes, it is not the same cast,” reminded director Gina Kleesattel. “The show continues to resonate as it has for over 50 years, but what I have discovered is that it resonates on a very personal level with each person. So, each new cast brings their own unique perspective, which keeps the show fresh and bright.”
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“Playing the role of Charlie Brown has been nothing but fun,” echoed Maximillian Santucci, a particularly budding playwright previously seen at Sinclair in “Dracula,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Radio Plays” among others. “Charlie is depressed, but not in the way of a depressed adult and so everything about acting in this play is very ‘pure.’ You have to be completely energetic and completely there for the young audience. It really is one of the sweetest and purest theatrical experiences I’ve had at Sinclair so far.”
Adapted by Eric Schaffer and briefly running 40 minutes, the production features Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz tunes “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” The show also includes “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as well as an audience sing-a-long.
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The diverse cast includes De’Shawn Christian as Snoopy, Erin McGee as Lucy, Micah Koverman as Linus, Jai’Ln Stafford as Pig Pen, Sara Rice as Frieda, Samuel Hamilton as Schroeder, Sara Eldred as Violet, Valkyrie Williams as Sally, Olivia Akers as Patty, and JuanGabriel Encarnacion as Shermy. Katherine Frauman provides musical direction.
“Educationally, this show is great for our student’s training to work on Children’s Theatre and for some of them to be able to remount a show as well as recreate roles or take on technology/design responsibilities for a show with a packed house,” added Gina Neuerer, Chair of Sinclair’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department.
“Overall, it’s a true combination of theatre, holiday spirit, family, and community. Or, as the song goes, ‘Christmas time is here. We’ll be drawing near. Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year.’”
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WANT TO GO?
Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton
When: Dec. 14-17; Noon Thursday; Noon and 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $8
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets
FYI: A special "shadowing" ASL performance will be provided on Thursday, Friday (7 p.m.), and Sunday. Also, all patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
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