Friday, 08 May 2026 10:00

Good Grief! Deloraine presents Charlie Brown

Cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (L-R) Linden Sunaert, Paisley Gauthier, Drew Forsyth, Norah Whetter, Elizabeth Brown (director), Taryn Perriman, Juliana Nestibo, Jack Whetter, Everly Fletcher, Teagan Maddess, Jacey Hogg, Callie Ginter, Emma Gower-Ashley & Sophee Lamontagne. Cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (L-R) Linden Sunaert, Paisley Gauthier, Drew Forsyth, Norah Whetter, Elizabeth Brown (director), Taryn Perriman, Juliana Nestibo, Jack Whetter, Everly Fletcher, Teagan Maddess, Jacey Hogg, Callie Ginter, Emma Gower-Ashley & Sophee Lamontagne.

Whether or not he could fly a kite, kick the football or have the nerve to talk to the little redheaded girl, Charlie Brown teaches lessons about life to everyone. Some of those lessons were taught at Deloraine Winchester Theatre from April 30 to May 2.

Deloraine School presented “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, the 1967 musical based on the long running and much-loved comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles Schultz. Director Elizabeth Brown, an educational assistant at the school, said the musical was chosen as their annual project as she was looking for a strong follow up to last year’s “Mamma Mia”. She said she wanted something as heartwarming as the ABBA epic, but totally different. Brown added she kept in mind who the graduating cast members were, as she wanted them to have a great last experience. The story was very important.

“‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’ is about perseverance, friendship and the courage it takes to keep trying even when things don’t go your way,” Brown explained. “Charlie Brown’s journey reminds us of very real moments in life-hope, doubt, humour, and resilience. Bringing these characters and story to life has been a true joy, and I am incredibly proud of the cast and crew who have poured their energy, heart and creativity into each step of the process along the way. This show truly couldn’t have fit our cast better.”

They started rehearsals in January and practiced after school twice a week.

The story of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, Schroeder and the gang took a large number of people. There were 13 cast members, with staff helping behind the scenes. Brown said the cast consisted of mainly grades 6-12 with two grade one and one kindergarten as “Woodstock’s flock”.

 The cast consisted of: Jack Whetter (Gr.12) as Charlie Brown, Juliana Nestibo (Gr. 12) as Snoopy, Jacey Hogg (Gr.11) as Lucy Van Pelt, Teagan Maddess (Gr.11) as Linus Van Pelt, Everly Fletcher (Gr. 6) as Sally Brown, Callie Ginter (Gr.11) as Schroeder, Taryn Perriman (Gr.12) as Peppermint Patty, Norah Whetter (Gr.6) as Woodstock. Woodstock’s Flock consisted of Paisley Gauthier (Kindergarten), Linden Sunaert (Gr.1) and Drew Forsyth (Gr.1). The ensemble included Sophee Lamontagne (Gr.7) and Emma Gower-Ashley (Gr.9).

“The show was produced by Miss Brown as director, Mrs. Dillabough as the set designer and Mrs. Revet as front of house/ticket sales, as well as several other staff members and parents who helped backstage.”

There were five performances over the showing of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” with the audience being wrapped in a security blanket each time. Brown said they were very happy with the crowds, with young and old enjoying following the Peanuts crew. Some were very familiar with the characters, while some were introduced to them. She and the cast met with audience members outside the theatre each performance, and were met with very positive feedback. Some came back for another dose of the Schultz wisdom and humour.

“The cast formed a very close-knit group this year, and that connection really showed on stage,” she stated. “I could not be more proud of this group, their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm made this production truly special!”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff

 

Read 135 times Last modified on Thursday, 11 June 2026 11:20