You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Theatre director David O’Roark of Worthington Christian High School brought the comedy You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to life Thursday, February 11th through Saturday the 13th.

This play has gone down in history as a classic, and Worthington Christian High School has done it justice. The cast and stage hands, as well as director David O’Roark, worked to make this performance a great one.

Prior to the play, the enthusiastic WC student body, as well as certain staff members, described their excitement about seeing what WC’s young actors and actresses can accomplish as a cast. Anticipating the play, one of WC’s freshmen, Rachel Parrish, stated “It’s going to be amazing!” Attending this play was a highlight of the winter quarter.

O’Roark said “The cast was great.” When asked if this was one of his favorite plays to direct, he responded, “I love how simple this play is. I love the songs and I love the style, which is pretty much a series of jokes linked together; but asking me if I liked this play more is like asking me which of my children I like best.”

Charlie Brown, played by Danny Nathan, proved to be a sensation. “Since the cast was small, we’ve gotten close,” Danny said. “It was a lot of fun and Mr. O’Roark is the best. Even though the script left out some trademark Charlie Brown things, it was still good.” The small cast performed remarkably well, working and fellowshipping together.

O’Roark observed that deciding to perform You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was a major commitment in itself. “After you find a play that is worth doing,” he stated, “then you work on the concept, themes, set design, and all that stuff before the actors even know they are in the play.”

Crista Anderson played the role of Snoopy and had input on the play as well. “Phenomenal director,” she said: “he was awesome. What I love about the play is that I could be a dog; I could be fun and goofy and just something I’m . . . not!”

Senior Luke Condon served this play and Mr. O’Roark with the gift of time and commitment, as stage manager, by helping with sounds and lights. His contribution to the smooth sailing of the show did wonders. “Working as stage manager was just the most awesome thing ever!” Luke said.

Charlie Brown has a certain optimistic persona; a way of life that captures the attention of the audience. “I like this play because Charlie Brown always thinks each day going to be great,” said O’Roark.

With its simple staging, this play still made a positive impact on its viewers. Friday night’s turnout was remarkable; and though all the performances were good, Friday night was considered the most spectacular of all three nights. Senior Erin Szabo said that “The audience seemed to pump up the actors to do even better.”

In anticipating the play, Worthington Christian High School staff member Mr. Stoll said, “Every Charlie Brown play has been great, but I am excited about this one. Our kids will be awesome and it’ll be a great show.” His prediction was accurate: the play was a major success, and was one of WCHS’s best.

[Photos of the play courtesy of Chad Dutka]