Happiness is singing together when day is through,
— Cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
and happiness is those who sing with you.
happiness is morning and evening,
daytime and nighttime too.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
that’s loved by you.
Months of hard work and singing together culminated in amazing performances on May 18 and 19 of this year’s spring musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center rang with laughter, cheers, and applause as the cast and crew brought the audience on a journey celebrating the highs and lows of childhood.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” brings to life the beloved characters from Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip, “Peanuts.” Set in the familiar world of Charlie Brown and his friends, this heartwarming production captures the essence of childhood with humor, charm, and a touch of introspection.
The production was directed by Meredith Akins, Abby Shuppy, Brendan Stackhouse, and Michael Piedmont. Ms. Akins, Ms. Shuppy, and Mr. Stackhouse choreographed the numbers. The music directors were Mr. Piedmont and Ms. Shuppy.
In addition to the students in the cast and crew, the production featured an orchestra of Gaynor faculty, staff and friends directed by Mr. Piedmont, who also played the keyboard and conducted. The instrumentalists included Ellen Lee and Courtney Smotkin on violin, Molli Grady and Erica Bentsen on flute, Catherine Thomas on keyboard, Brian Russ on electric bass, and Jim Jalbert on drums.