"You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!"

Here's a picture of 12-year-old me as Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!". That was 7th grade at Piedmont Middle School in San Jose, CA. while my dad was stationed there. I remember a few things from that performance. 1) I was afraid to make an ugly face in my first real production ever. So when Snoopy "licks" my face and I'm supposed to say, "Dog germs! Yuk!!", I couldn't do it facing the audience. 2) the song "Schroeder" was really high. And 3) for months after I would sing the songs in my head and go over mistake I made.

Years later, I'm now having the wonderful opportunity of directing this show at the Clinton School for Writers and Artists in Manhattan. The kids we've assembled (a cast of 33) are quite amazing. From our Charlie Brown down to the smallest (in size) chorus member, these are a talented bunch of kids. We had to double cast a couple of roles, they are that good! Everyone I tell about this show has a happy memory, either of being in it or seeing it or wearing out the album! The great thing about being in a school for writers and artists is that the parents tend to be talented as well. I've needed lighting and sound consultants, costume & set designers, and music transposers and I've been able to find them all in our Clinton community.

Rehearsals are going well and I'm looking forward to our blocking rehearsal on Monday. The following week, we'll be ready to stumble through the show a little bit. It's been a lot of fun, which has once cemented the idea for me that I love directing, teaching, and working with kids.

More to come as we get more into the rehearsal process.

Performances are March 17-19th.