Charlie Brown playbill - May 2023

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz

Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner

Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer

Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Directed by Erin Gardiner

Musical Direction by Joe Walsh

May 5*, 6 at 8pm May 7** at 2pm at the Hylton Performing Arts Ctr. in the Gregory Family Theater

*ASL interpreted

** Audio Described

Recordings of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Original Direction for this version of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Michael Mayer

Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark

DIRECTORS' NOTE

In 1950, the “Peanuts” gang made its first appearance in seven newspapers. Over the next 50 years, Charles Schulz’s beloved characters became so popular that they appeared in 2,600 papers in 75 countries and 21 languages. What makes this group of children (and a dog) so universal? Across countries, languages, and even ages? Because we can all see ourselves in Charlie Brown. A boy who maybe isn’t the best at baseball or flying a kite but who is learning about himself and what makes him unique and special.

This show, originally written in 1967 with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner was done with a small six person cast. In 1999, there was a revival of the show that changed some of the characters and added new songs by Andrew Lippa. We added a few more of the famous gang to join the original six in our production. The show follows what could be a typical day for Charlie Brown that presents itself in a series of non-linear vignettes, similar to a comic strip.

The sarcastic nature, unflinching emotionality, inner thoughts of a household pet, and wild fantasies create a world full of fun, humor, and honesty. We hope you sit back, laugh, and enjoy playing with us!

Erin Gardiner Director

Songs Act One

“Opening / You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” .......................Full Company

“Schroeder”................................................................................Lucy, Schroeder

“Snoopy”.................................................................................Snoopy, Ensemble

“My Blanket and Me”................................................................Linus, Ensemble

“The Kite”........................................................................................Charlie Brown

“The Doctor Is In”................................................................Charlie Brown, Lucy

“Beethoven Day”...............................................................Schroeder, Ensemble

“The Book Report”.........................................................................Full Company

Act Two

“The Red Baron”.....................................................................Snoopy, Ensemble

“My New Philosophy”................................................................Sally, Schroeder

“The Baseball Game”.....................................................................Full Company

“Glee Club Rehearsal (Home on the Range)”..............................Full Company

“Little Known Facts”.................................................Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown

“Suppertime”..........................................................................Snoopy, Ensemble

“Happiness”....................................................................................Full Company

“Bows”.............................................................................................Full Company

Aidan Breneman-Pennas

Sophia Ferolito she/her

NOTE CAST

Luke Rahman he/him

Kamy Satterfield

Rylan Snyder

DRAMATURG'S NOTE PRODUCTION TEAM

Director.....................................................................................Erin Gardiner

Musical Director............................................................................Joe Walsh

Assistant Director.....................................................Brett Womack he/him

Stage Manager...........................................................................Orion Bates

Assistant Stage Managers...................................Shannon Harrel she/her Lexi Carter she/her

Lighting Design...............................................Mary Clare Bernier she/they

Technical Director.....................................................................Kevin Smith

Operations & Production Associate.......................Elizabeth McLendon

Production Manager.........................................................Ruth Yamamoto

Assistant Production Managers........................................Samba Pathak Jay Dews

Aqwia Harris

Run Crew......................................................Samba Pathak, Aurora Powell

Faculty Mentors................................................................Sherrice Mojgani Ruth Yamamoto

CAST BIOS

Taylor Alexander she/her (Five, u/s Lucy) is a sophomore at GMU with a major in musical theater and an English minor. Her theater background dates back to 4th grade, and she has had various roles in her last two years at George Mason. Freshman year productions consist of: The Boy Detective Fails as Ensemble and Cabaret: Duke Ellington. In her second year, she’s been in Head Over Heels as an understudy for Mopsa and a member of Ensemble. She was recently in GMU’s Cabaret: Women of Broadway and is excited for Your A Good Man Charlie Brown as the understudy for Lucy and Ensemble. She thanks her family and friends that constantly support her and is always excited for her next big performance!

Aidan Breneman-Pennas he/him (PigPen, u/s Charlie Brown) is a junior studying Government with a concentration in Law and a minor in Philosophy. This is his first time being involved in a show here at George Mason, though he has acted in many productions in and out of high school. He would like the amazing production team, director, and cast members for bringing him back to the stage

Sophia Ferolito she/her (Violet, u/s Sally) is a freshman studying musical theater. Recent productions at GMU include the Mason Cabaret, Head Over Heels (Ensemble), and Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dancer), and she's been in many productions back home in RI including Heathers (Veronica), Legally Blonde (Elle), and School of Rock (Dewey). Thanks to her family for their love and support, and to the cast and crew for making this such a fun experience.

CAST BIOS

Anthony Flora he/him (Linus) is a freshman at GMU studying theater performance and is grateful and thrilled to be a part of this Mason Players production! Some recent credits include Dametas in Head over Heels, Wadsworth in Clue: On Stage, and The Wolf in Into The Woods. He would like to thank his family for supporting him and the entire company for everyday better than the last.

Benji Lord he/him (Snoopy) is a senior now at GMU. You may have recently scene him as Johnny in Sutta, or as an Everybody in the show Everybody. This is Benji’s first musical since his senior year of high school.

Jack McAfee he/him (Larry, u/s Shroeder) is thrilled to be a part of this musical production at George Mason University, where he studies government and international politics. Although his academic focus is different, Jack has always had a strong passion for musical theater. He has previously performed in the Mason Cabaret and played the role of Rapunzel's Prince in Into the Woods. Jack invites the audience to connect to their inner child through this nostalgic performance tonight.

CAST BIOS

Luke Rahman he/him (Charlie Brown) is a senior theater major with a double concentration in Performance and Design. He is thrilled to take on the role of Charlie Brown in his final performance with the Mason Players. His prior roles at George Mason University include Swing in Footloose and Matthias in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. When not performing onstage, Luke can often be found building props or painting sets in the scene shop.

Kamy Satterfield she/her (Lucy Van Pelt) was last seen in Mason Cabaret: Baby Dream Your Dream: The Women of Broadway. Her other Mason Theater credits include: Footloose (Urleen) and The Boy Detective Fails (Violet Dew). Kamy would like to thank her mom and dad for all their support! Enjoy the show!

Rylan Snyder she/her (Peppermint Patty, u/s Snoopy) is a sophomore Honors College student pursuing her BFA in musical theater here at Mason. You may have seen her last on stage in Head Over Heels last fall and in the Mason Cabaret this past February. After growing up with the Peanuts being a part of every holiday of her childhood, she hopes you all will enjoy this nostalgic show just as much as she has!

CAST BIOS

Sarah Stewart is a junior working to obtain a BFA in Theater with a Concentration in Musical Theater. She’s thrilled to be working with such a wonderful cast and crew and is very grateful for this opportunity! Some of her past productions at GMU include: Baby Dream Your Dream: The Women of Broadway (soloist), The Boy Detective Fails (Daisy Hollis Und./Ens.), Someone Has To Leave First (Roses) from The Originals! 2021, In A Sentimental Mood: Duke Ellington (Soloist), Monologue (Cynthia) from 1,001 Plays 2021, and Runaways (Ensemble).

Spencer Wilde he/him (Schroeder) is a musical theater major at GMU and studies voice under Jim Van Slyke. He has recently performed at GMU as Ensemble and Basilius u/s in Head Over Heels, Featured Dancer in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Featured Soloist in Mason Cabaret. Other roles include George in Our Town, Snowboy in West Side Story, and Eric in Matilda.

Kai Yoffe he/him (Shermy, u/s Linus) is a freshman in the GMU School of Theatre. He has been involved in multiple Mason Players shows this year prior to Charlie Brown including The Originals, Head Over Heels, and The Hunchback of Seville. Kai intends to continue participating in as many plays as he can throughout his college career at GMU, and take his passion for performance into the professional world.

PRODUCTION BIOS

Mary Clare Bernier she/they (Lighting Designer) is a second-year student majoring in theater with a concentration in design & technical theater and minoring in Medieval Studies and LGBTQ+ Studies. Recently, she has worked as lighting designer for the Mason Players’ production of The Originals! and Just Like Us, as well as lighting designer/digital artist for Westfield Summer Stage’s 2022 production of High School Musical. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

Lexi Carter she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently a sophomore at George Mason University, and she is majoring in musical theater. She is yet again going to be backstage helping out as an Assistant Stage Manager. This is the second time as an assistant stage manager and has gotten comfortable being of much help backstage as run crew in past productions. She is excited for you all to see the show! !

PRODUCTION BIOS

Erin Gardiner she/her (Director) is an assistant professor of Musical Theater at George Mason University. She has directed both the Fall and Spring musicals and co-directed Mason Cabaret as part of Mason’s Musical Theater program. Mrs. Gardiner is an award winning professional actress, singer and teacher. Her Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Musical Theater is from James Madison University. For over a decade, Erin has worked professionally as an actress and singer in the D.C. area. Mrs. Gardiner has performed at Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Ford’s Theater, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre. Recognitions include a Helen Hayes Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical and the Roger Sturtevant Award for Outstanding Ability in Musical Theater. She has been a proud member of Actor’s Equity. In addition to her work in theater, Mrs. Gardiner also performs in solo cabarets and other concerts, and teaches private voice.

Shannon Harrel she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman theater major with a concentration in musical theater. This is her first experience with stage management and has learned a lot through this process. She is thrilled to be calling the show and has very much enjoyed working with this phenomenal cast and crew. Shannon would like to thank her family and friends for their continued love and support.

PRODUCTION BIOS

Joe Walsh he/him (Musical Director) has presented and served as music director for musical theater and opera productions in Virginia, across the country and internationally. He served on the musical staff at Virginia Opera for 17 years where, most, recently, he held the positions of Associate Artistic Director and Associate Conductor. Joe was music director for Riverside Dinner Theater’s acclaimed production of The Pirates of Penzance during the summer of 2019. He has been a regular Music Director with the In Series and Alexandria’s Metro Stage. He is on the faculty at Levine Music and has served as artistic advisor for the National Society of Arts and Letters Vocal Programs, Washington D.C. chapter. He is a member of the faculties of both the School of Music and the School of Theater at George Mason University. Joe has served as music director for productions of Head Over Heels, The Boy Detective Fails, Footloose, The Boy Detective Fails, Gaining Ground, as well as Cabaret at Georgetown University.

Brett Womack he/him (Assistant Director) is a sophomore in the musical theater program here at Mason, excited to be assistant directing for the first time! While a performer first, Brett is overjoyed to be behind the table for such a youthful and funfilled production. Some past creative team credits include directing for some pieces from this year's 1,001 Plays, music directing Robin's Therapy as part of this year's The Originals!, directing and music directing an original work, Jolly Street, and composing for this spring's The Road to the End. Enjoy the show!

DEPARTMENT SUPPORT

Arts Support Umbrella

Production Manager

Technical Director

Scene Shop Supervisor

Assistant Technical Director

Lead Carpenter

Scenic Painter

TheaterSpace Technical Directors

Harris Theatre Technical Director

Costume Shop Supervisor

Costume Shop Assistants

Costume Interns

Sound Interns

Lighting Interns

Management Interns

Scene Shop Production Intern

Scene Shop Paint Intern

Scene Shop Props Intern

Dan Hobson

Carrie Cox

Ethan Osborne

Stephan Starling

Madelyn Southard

Chloe Scheel

Micah Stromberg & Tom Terlecki

Adrianna Daugherty-Smith

Laurel Dunayer

Vicki Burroughs & Sarah Alspach

Angel Lee, Lee Guber, Caleb McMurtry, Jeremy Pritchard, Jackson Ramos, Hannah Griffith

Sydney Anderson, Jordan Patnett

Merin Lemoine, Mary Clare Bernier

Jay Dews, Samba Pathak, Aqwai Harris

Vika Hearne, Caleb McMurtry, Viann Tran

Anna Jungkeit

Susan Lane

Luke Rahman

Alpha Psi Omega Officers

President

Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Associate Member Coordinators

Historian

Community Service Chair

Education Deputy

Kendall Huheey (she/her)

Elisabeth Dupuy (she/her)

Martin Desjardins (he/him)

Samba Pathak (he/him)

Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Khue Duong (she/her)

Shannon Rodgers (she/her)

Darren Badley (he/him)

Jo Arnett (she/they)

DRAMATURG'S NOTE UNIT SUPPORT

Mason Players Staff

Company Manager

Associate Company Manager

Company Secretary

Devolpment Manager

Development Apprentice

Sales Coordinator

Marketing Manager

Co-Company Historian

Co-Company Historian

Marketing Apprentices

Development Apprentice

Players4Change Staff

Equity and Empowerment Managers

Megan Lederman (she/her)

Darren Badley (he/him)

Shannon Rodgers (she/her)

Luke Rahman (he/him)

Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Nathan Tilley (he/him)

Brett Womack (he/him)

Lexi Carter (she/her)

Nathaniel McCay (he/him)

Sally Deen (she/her)

Aurora Powell (she/they)

Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Hansin Arvind (he/him)

Megan Ayers (she/they)

Mary Clare Bernier (she/they)

Jaylen "Jay" Dews (he/him)

Emma Harris (she/her)

Luke Rahman (he/him)

Zoe Winter (she/they)

DRAMATURG'S NOTE SCHOOL OF THEATER FACULTY & STAFF

Dean of College of Visual and Perfroming Arts

Director of the School of Theater

Production Manager

Program Manager

Academic Adviser

Office Manager

Office Assistant

Marketing Assistant

Faculty

Elizabeth Alman

Kelly Armstrong

Djola Branner

April Brassard

Carrie Cox

Jonathan Dahm Robertson

Rick Davis

Kevin Dunayer

Laurel Dunayer

Amr El- Bayoumi

Leighann Enos

David Gaines

Erin Gardiner

James Gardiner

Edward Gero

David Goldstein

Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Mimsi Janis

Rick Davis

Djola Branner

Ruth Yamamoto

Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Sara Simanski

Mary Burgess

Megan Lederman

Nafisa Ferdous

Kristin Johnsen-Neshati

Mary Lechter

Billy Kessinger

Kaiulani Lee

Bryce Lenon

Ahmad Maaty

Heather McDonald

Sherrice Mojgani

Theresa Ohanian

Yaritza Pacheco

Franklin Robinson Jr.

Shaila Schmidt

Stefan Sittig

Debra Sivigny

Joseph Walsh

Ruth Yamamoto

TheSchoolofTheaterwishestothankthe followingdonorsfortheirgeneroussupport

Professional Artist Residency in Theater (PART) Legacy Donors

Kenneth and Carol Adelman

Anonymous

John and Deborah Blacksten

Doris Bloch and Bill Hunt

Boeing Company

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth P. Braxton

Mary Brescia

Jane and Chris Brewster

Ms. Lois Brown

Byrd International, L.L.C.

Gordon and Judy Canyock

Ms. Grace Chae

Chevy Chase Trust

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Ms. Chris Downey

Charles and Eileen Duggan

Linda Evans

Dr. and Mrs. William H. Gilcher

Irwin and Fay Gold

Vernon W. Gras, Ph.D.

Mr. Carl Hemmer

Emmett L. Holman, Ph.D.

Captain Marsha and Robert Rease

Marilyn Jones

Eileen Mandell

Dr. Alan and Mrs. Sally Merten

Mack and Paulette Miller

Merle L. Mulvaney

Diane and Tim Naughton

Warner and Cheryl North

Mr. Ronald Page

Robert and Ida Portland

Mrs. Lauren W. Rabb

Diane and Robert Rafuse

Ted and Anne K. Rosenblum

Ms. Ann Steers

Daniel and Ann Toohey

Mikki Van Wyk

Edward and Wava Vigen

Ken and Molly Elston and The Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Committee

IBM International Foundation

Verizon Foundation

Ms. Kristin Johnsen-Neshati & Mr. Amin Neshati

Cpt. Marsha and Robert Rease

Verizon Foundation

1,001 Plays Supporters

Anonymous (2)

Ms. Kristin Johnsen-Neshati & Mr. Amin Neshati

Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Phyllis Krochmal

Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas

Vafa Mostaghim

Virginia Humanities

DRAMATURG'S NOTE FRIENDS OF THEATER SUPPORT

from December 1, 2021 to January 1, 2023

angel ($5,000+)

Edward Jones

Diane and Time Naughton

sponsor ($2,500-$4,999)

Judy Canyock

Mack and Paulette Miller

Norma Jean Reck

patron ($1,000 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Dianne and Gerard Blais

Charles and Eileen Duggan

Dr. Joy R. Hughes and Mr. Kenneth Lee

Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd

Sherry Watkins

producer ($500 - $999)

Helen and Bill Ackerman

Mr. Rick Davis and Ms. Julie Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Arthus Hamerschlag

Barbara Jacksier and Everett Chasen

Ms. Mary Lechter and Mr. Kevin Murray

Robert and Ida Porter

Mr. and Mrs. Kosmo Tatlias

performer ($200 - $499)

John and Toni Acton

Susan J. Aitel and Jonathan Goldman

Anonymous

Joseph and Jocelyn Colao

performer ($200 - $499)

cont.

Ms. Kristin Johnsen-Neshati and Mr. Amin Neshati

Brian and Laurie Linberg

Patricia and Evans Mandes

Mitchell Martin

Lene Mcvoy

Don and Sonja Palomaki

friend (up to $199)

April Brassard

Carol Burbage

Jasmin Barnes

Pat and Pat Carroll

Barry and Peggy Fink

Linda and Shelly Gersten

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gholz

Zayd Hamid

Linda and Harlan Harber

Catie and Mark Hubbard

Shirley A. Joyce

David and Barbara Kilpatrick

Ms. Diane Kiser

Michael and Linda Kostrzewa

Christine Lange

Paulette Lichtman-Panzer

Alice and Matt Magelssen-Green

Kim and Ralph Moden

Erica M. Nantais

Emily Rouderbush

Terry Sarley

Willa and David Seigel

Bob and Pat Warakomsky

Christopher M. Ward

Joan R. White

Sheila Woods

DRAMATURG'S NOTE FRIENDS OF THEATER SUPPORT

from December 1, 2021 to January 1, 2023

friend (up to $199), cont.

Harriet Kaplan

Ms. Diane Kiser

Michael and Linda Kostrzewa

Mrs. Phyllis Krochmal

Robert Langelier

Paulette Lichtman-Panzer

Brian and Laurie Lindberg

Eileen Mandell

Pam McIntosh

Kim and Ralph Moden

Edward and Marianne Morahan

Jill Norris

Mary Alice Pett

Emily Roudebush

Terry Sarley

Willa and David Siegel

Roy and Margaret Wagner

Joseph Walsh

Lakyntiew L. Watrous

Dean and Andrea Westman

George and Marty Whipple

Joan R. White

Rachel Winograd

Ursula Wohlfahrt

The School of Theater’s and Mason Players’ 2023-2024 Season

Fall Season:

The Originals! | Directed by Franklin Robinson, Jr. & April Brassard

September 15 &16 | TheaterSpace 9 to 5| Directed by Rex Daughtery |Musical Direction by Joe Walsh |October 20-29, 2023 | Harris Theatre

fallen | Directed by Theresa O'Hanian |November 16-19|

TheaterSpace

DRAMATURG'S NOTE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

School of Theater Scholarships (continuing awards): Steven Franco, Nathan Tilley

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Endowed Scholarship in Design: Sloan Martin

The Mack & Paulette Miller Theater Scholarship Endowment (2022): Brandon Morris

The Brower “BC” Spransy Memorial Scholarship Endowment (2022): Rayna Ketch

The Chris Parsons Memorial Scholarship: Bella Panciocco

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Theater Scholarship: Samba Pathak

Friends of Theater at Mason Scholarships (awarded Spring 2023): Jo Arnett, Caroline Austin, Asia Cooper, Starr Hill, Dyllan Hutchison, Garret Jones, Caleb McMurtry, Jeremy Pritchard, Shannon Rodgers, Nathan Tilley

Theater at Mason would like to thank the Friends of Theater for their ongoing support of our programs, especially their support of scholarships for our students. Please consider becoming a Friend.

Please consider giving by logging onto our website

https://theater.gmu.edu/give

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At the place George Mason University occupies, we give greetings and thanksgivings to these Potomac River life sources, to the Doeg ancestors, who Virginia annihilated in violent campaigns while ripping their lands apart with the brutal system of African American enslavement, to the recognized Virginia tribes who have lovingly stewarded these lands for millennia including, the Rappahannock, Pamunkey, Upper Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Nansemond, Monacan, Mattaponi, Patawomeck, and Nottaway, past, present, and future, and to the Piscataway tribes, who have lived on both sides of the river from time immemorial.

Coming in Fall 2023

The Originals!

September 15-16, 2023

9 to 5 The Musical

October 20-29, 2023

Fallen by Theresa Ohanian

November 16-19, 2023

A Staged Reading of: La Belle Indifference

December 3, 2023

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