Students shine in ‘Charlie Brown’ musical!

He’s a good man, indeed!

Members of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s Adelphian Masquers Drama Society & Theater Arts Program recently welcomed hundreds of audience members for a three-night production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” inside the historic academy’s John Lockwood Auditorium Theatre. The production was held in association with the Adelphian Players Community Theater Organization and through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

The cast and crew featured a mix of talented middle and upper schoolers who truly shined in the spotlight, according to Adelphi Head of School Iphigenia Romanos.

“I am so very proud of the cast and crew of our winter production of ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ for bringing these beloved characters to life on Adelphi’s stage, and for showcasing their unique talents to the entire Adelphi community,” she said. “Since its founding in 1863, Adelphi has always remained dedicated to the education of the total child, and a well-rounded and hands-on experience in the arts is such an important part of that philosophy and commitment. Bravo to everyone involved in creating such a professional and memorable production!”

The show, featuring book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner, is based on the “Peanuts” comic strip created by the late Charles Schulz and follows the misadventures of iconic characters Charlie Brown, Linus, Schroeder, Lucy, Peppermint Patty and, of course, Snoopy.

Adelphi senior David V. portrayed Charlie Brown in the production and performed several musical numbers, including an emotive solo rendition of “The Kite,” during which the downtrodden youngster narrates the flight of his favorite red kite, including its inevitable crash into a tree.

Junior Kenn I. portrayed Linus and elicited laughs for his well-timed comedic lines as well as his paralyzing reliance on his blanket, which he sang about in his solo song, “My Blanket and Me.” Classmate Jayleen G. portrayed the precocious Lucy, sister to Linus and resident psychiatrist to the gang of friends. She performed several songs, including solos “Schroeder (Moonlight Sonata)” and “Little Known Facts.”

Fellow juniors Ahmad N. and Souraya A. also starred as Schroeder and Patty, respectively, while middle schooler Mark C. shined in the role of Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s trusty four-legged friend. He delivered a strong rendition of Snoopy’s solo song, “Snoopy.”

As part of the theatre-going experience, the academy produced professional playbills complete with cast and crew bios as well as headshots for each student and staff member involved in the production, each of which was also posted above the theatre doors.

“We always want our guests to feel like they are part of something special when they come to Adelphi, and the transformation of our auditorium into a full-scale theatre with stage lights, special theatre seating and a custom-built stage is a highlight of the experience,” Romanos said. “Thank you to everyone who assisted with the production along the way and to all those who came out to see these talented students in action. The arts are alive and thriving at Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn!”