BGHS production of ‘Charlie Brown’ invited to state theater festival

Buffalo Grove High School’s fall play, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” has been selected as one of approximately 25 full-length productions from schools across the state to be performed at the 2013 Illinois High School Theatre Festival, Jan. 10-12.

The annual convergence of top high school thespians and technical crews will take place at the University of Illinois, Urbana. The curtain will rise on Buffalo Grove’s play on at 3:45 and 7:45 p.m., Friday, Jan. 11, at Lincoln Hall.

This marks the first time that as many as three District 214 schools have been chosen to perform their full-length plays at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival on a given year. Fellow District 214 schools, Rolling Meadows High School (“Figments”) and Prospect High School (“The Sparrow”) will also present their full-length productions.

Buffalo Grove also is proud to announce that senior Joe Cavaiani, chosen by rigorous audition, will perform at the festival in the cast of the All-State production of “Memphis.”

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, based on Charles Schultz’s beloved “Peanuts” characters, was written by Clark Gesner, who penned the book, music and lyrics. In average day moments from Valentine’s Day to baseball season, the entire spectrum of what it means to be human is explored: from optimism and despair, to uncertainty and hopefulness.

Brian McCallister plays Charlie Brown, Grace Baird is Sally Brown, Alyssa Gillespie is Lucy Van Pelt, Jim VanDerBosch is Snoopy, Alec Sabbath is Schroeder, and Cole Festenstein is Linus Van Pelt. The ensemble is comprised of Milan Babic, Jessie Brooks, Robert Hussey, Hallie Larkowski, Erin Logan and Jessica Wolf.

The director/choreographer is Beth Wells; musical director is Debora Utley; Jeannie Workman is the piano and rehearsal accompanist; scenic designer/technical director is Ed Moon; and costume and makeup coordinator is Debbie Andres.