One of the most famous Peanuts catch phrases is 'Happiness should be shared."
Happiness is sure to be infectious as the Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Academy (CVPAA) bring Snoopy and friends out of the funny pages and on to the Frances Kelsey School Theatre stage with their production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Based on the 1967 musical with music and lyrics by Clark Gesnner, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is the Academy's first-ever production, and for many of their students the first they have ever participated in. It follows the Peanuts gang as they navigate everyday life, exploring themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery through a series of vignettes and musical numbers, mirroring the comic strip's format.
"With the Academy having a large number of students who are passionate about theatre, we wanted a show that would be able to give a number of students the opportunity to showcase their growing talents," said director Brenna Bazinet. "It has six lead roles: Charlie, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, Linus, and Schroeder, and although not written into the script, we also saw the potential to add an ensemble to give more of our students the opportunity to be on stage. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the perfect fit for us this year and we've all fallen in love with its simple heartwarming story."
Bazinet graduated from Masters of Arts Leadership last June and has been working as the Academy's educational and music department coordinator since last August. Having the opportunity to direct for the first time has her flying higher than the Red Baron.
"Although I was apprehensive at first, I’m so glad I said yes," said Bazinet. "I realized it was a great opportunity to use my degree and my other hobbies, like sewing, in an atmosphere I’ve felt comfortable my whole life. We’ve created a space where students can arrive to rehearsal however they are and together we work to encourage and uplift one another and allow each other to be our authentic and true selves."
"Life is better with a friend" is a famous quote from Snoopy who, in this production, is played by Laife Young. Students playing the rest of the Peanuts gang are Ryland Racicot as Charlie Brown, Abby, as Lucy, Morgan M. as Sally Brown, Jenna W. as Schroeder, and Gabi F. as Linus. Along with the six leads fans of the Peanuts gang will enjoy seeing other students taking on various classic characters such as Pig Pen, Frieda, Rerun, and others while bringing the joy of song and dance to the show.
"We've got a great group of students cast in this show." said Bazinet. "Ryland as Charlie Brown has brought a lot of experience and joy to our classroom, being a great source of encouragement to his fellow cast mates, Abby has done a beautiful job embracing this demanding role and capturing Lucy's bossy and know-it-all nature. Morgan's quick-wittedness has brought a complexity and charm to Sally, while Laife who, has taken on Snoopy, has been charming us with humour, imagination, and dedication throughout the show. Jenna's sincerity has brought Schroeder's love for Beethoven and annoyance with Lucy's obsessive nature to life, and Gabi has conquered understanding Linus' innocence, long tangents, and deep love for his security blanket.
"These kids have changed my life. It’s been so encouraging and rewarding to work with such dedicated, creative, and vulnerable artists and students. My favourite part has been watching each of my students find their voice and confidence and seeing them learn a deep sense of empathy for each other."
For students who are looking to explore their passion for the arts, enroling in the academy is also well worth it as it guides students to find a personal connection to the subjects they are learning such as humanities, careers, math and sciences. They are currently taking applications for the fall at grovevol.sd79.bc.ca/options/. The show hits the stage on April 24 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for those 12 and under and are available through the Academy office. For more information email info@adagestudio.com.
"My hope for everyone who comes to see this wonderful show is to feel a sense of belonging as they see themselves in all of the Peanuts characters, as well as to experience the reminder that simple moments in life can be our greatest joys when we spend them together," said Bazinet. "We are never alone, even when we feel we are. For happiness is anyone and anything at all, that’s loved by you.”
