Rehoboth Christian High School Charlie Brown

Rehoboth Christian High School to Perform YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

By Jo Leggett

Twelve Rehoboth Christian High School students have been working tirelessly to bring their fall musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revival), to life November 17-19, 2022.

Lillith Briggs (9th), who plays “Sally,” was especially excited to get to do this musical. “This is a classic,” she explained. “It’s characters we’ve known since childhood. They have such personalities! Sally is really proud; Snoopy is energetic and imaginative. And the comedy is subtle—though there are some slapstick parts.” Angela-Faith Sowers (10th), playing “Snoopy,” added, “Snoopy is like Mater from Cars. He adds random fun things.”

The show presents vignettes in a day for Charlie Brown and his friends. These characters both stir up a sense of nostalgia while also being very relatable. “I think Charlie Brown has a lot of my insecurities,” expressed Xander Leggett (11th), who plays the titular character. “So, I just need to let my guard down, and I’ll play him perfectly.”

Lillith giggled while saying, “My friends told me I’m a lot like Sally. She has my…daily attitude.”

The students shared that the pandemic motivated them to want to be involved. The time where they were often stuck at home with limited social interaction stirred a desire in them to be a part of something bigger. The musical gives them a chance to do just that. They have been juggling responsibilities of academics and athletics to also benefit from the artform that is musical theater. “This gives me a chance to express myself,” said Lane Etsitty (12th), who plays “Linus.” “This is my first time doing a play. I want to do something different and put myself out there and express myself in music and acting.”

Ash Seciwa (11th; Peppermint Patty) expressed a similar benefit, “This helps me get over my fear of people by pushing me to get out of my comfort zone and make new friends.”

Theater also gives students a chance to develop skills that take them behind the scenes. Over 20 high schoolers are involved with set, stage managing, lights, sound, and crew. They anticipate being a part of the energy that comes from live performances.

The students are directed by Jo Leggett and Anna Christensen. They are both making their directorial debuts in musical theater this fall. “Rehoboth has had such a strong arts department, but I felt like this was a gap that needed to be filled. I’m delighted to spend time sharing my love of musicals with these great students,” said Ms. Leggett. “We’ve been met by so much support by the school, not just Principal Meester, but also administration, teachers, and coaches. People are ready to have something big like this in the community again!”

The full cast includes Xander Leggett (Charlie Brown), Juliana Meester (Lucy), Angela-Faith Sowers (Snoopy), Lane Etsitty (Linus), Evin Toddy (Schroeder), and Lillith Briggs (Sally) as well as ensemble members Esther Christensen, Amy Ross, Ash (Cheyenne) Seciwa, Landon Watts, Katherine Baldonado, and Jade Singer.

Performances will be November 17 and 18 at 6:30 p.m. and November 19 at 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. People interested in the family-friendly show can purchase tickets at the high school or admin building or call 505-726-9635 for more information.

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 YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark. LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com