“This story is so iconic,” said director Gina Kleesattel. “We try very hard to capture the feel of the TV special, which is completed by Terry Stump’s set and Kathleen Hotmer’s costumes. And it really feels as if we know these cartoon characters as real people. Everyone has a friend like Lucy or Linus. Or perhaps you were Lucy or Linus? The challenge is always to allow the cast to find their own interpretations of the characters. We’re doing this show for the third year but every year has been different because every cast brings different strengths, different talents, to the production. It makes the show so much more fun to see.”
Adapted by Eric Schaffer and running a brief 40 minutes, the colorful, breezy 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.
The cast includes Cody Nelson in the title role, De’Shawn Christian as Snoopy, Chelsea Overman as Lucy, Naman Clark as Linus, Jai-Ln Stafford as Pig Pen, Danielle Pittman as Frieda, Andre Tomlinson as Schroeder, Sara Eldred as Violet, Brianna Babel as Sally, Hannah Brooks as Patty, and Elisha Chamberlin as Shermy. Also, Katherine Frauman serves as musical director and Rodney Veal supplies choreography.
“This is quickly becoming a tradition for groups and families as we enter our third year of performances,” said Gina Neuerer, chair of Sinclair’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department. “We’re thrilled that people are gathering friends and family to come to Blair Hall to experience this very special holiday event together.”
“This show is perfect for families,” echoed Kleesattel. “It’s a sweet, simple show with a really nice message.”
A Song for Coretta
In honor of Black History Month, Sinclair is providing a touring production of Pearl Cleage’s drama “A Song for Coretta.”
Cleage weaves current topics and events into a heartwarming story of five African-American women who waited in line to pay their respects to the late Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. The women reflect on Coretta’s inspiration as they coped with real-life issues including pregnancy, abortion, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The production is available to high schools in February. The production is approximately 75 minutes and has morning or afternoon availability. School must provide a performance space – no less than 20 by 20, supervised student audience – minimum 50 and principal’s approval. A short application is available by e-mailing patti.celek@sinclair.edu.
In addition, “A Song for Coretta” will be presented in Blair Hall Theatre for two performances only on Saturday, March 4 at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets for these performances cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Directed by Kimberly Borst, who recently staged Sinclair’s excellently dark and atmospheric “Dracula,” the play features Furaha Henry-Jones, Erin Waldon, Sha-Lemar Davis, Bryana Bentley and Erin McGee.
WANT TO GO?
What: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton.
When: Dec. 15-18; 12 p.m. Thursday; 12 and 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 4 p.m. next Sunday.
Cost: $8
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets
FYI: A special "shadowing" American Sign Language performance will be provided for the Thursday and Sunday performances (interpreters follow actors onstage while interpreting instead of being located off to the side of the action). Interpreters include Caitlyn Holfinger, Kayley Griffith, Alexa Lytle, Kirsten Boninsegna and Heather Holt. Also, the regular house policy of "no children under 6" has been lifted. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
About the Author