Upper School Theatre production "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

In her Dramaturg’s note, Clare H. ’25, writes that the production “illustrates life’s ups and downs, culminating with the song Happiness, which suggests that happiness is made up of the little things in life.” 

“Many events in this production are more trivial than momentous, and here lies their charm,” she goes on to explain. “Though the characters have challenging moments, the show is full of energy, humor, and fun, despite - or perhaps because of - these small difficulties. Sometimes it seems ridiculously relatable. Thus, like Schultz’s comics, this show has kept audiences laughing — often at the characters, but sometimes at themselves.” 

With a vibrant set design and engaging choreography, the characters of Sally and Lucy, Snoopy and Schroeder, Charlie and Linus were lifted from the page to the stage, supported by a strong ensemble. 

The show was directed by Dr. Kristin O’Malley Ricci, Oakcrest Visual and Performing Arts Master Teacher and Theatre Director and supported by a strong production team of seasoned Oakcrest teachers: Music Director Sarah Wilcox, Tech Director Elisa Torres, and Choreographer Dr. Kat Hussmann.

“It has been an absolute delight to return once more to the world of Peanuts as I direct this show,” Dr. Ricci said. “In recent years, we have performed shows which have all focused on the ways in which we are called to intervene in our communities in significant ways to stand up for what is right, shows which have called us to think about the major moments in our lives that force ourselves to make a choice and define ourselves by how we respond. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown reminds us that we are defined not only by the big moments in our lives, but also by the small moments in everyday life.”