By Jason Gahan
The cast and directors of "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" are preparing for the March 3 dinner-theater performance at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica.
Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. followed by the play at 7:00 p.m.
The show will also be performed in the Cultural Centre on March 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 10 at 2 p.m.
The bookstore has tickets for the dinner/play at $24.95 which includes a prime rib dinner and the show. Tickets for the on campus performances are $5 or free with IVCC student ID.
Working in two different environments poses some challenges.
"They are two different sized stages, one is much smaller than the other," said director Norm Engstrom. "Moving sets over to Starved Rock could be problematic. We have to rehearse on the stage and perform the same day. Starved Rock is going to be a pretty hard day, because of their schedule."
Engstrom added that if the performance at the Lodge is a success, other shows could be presented there in the future.
At press time, Engstrom said the production was on schedule.
"We are starting to run through the whole show to see how the pieces fit together," he said. "The show is a lot of fun and is suitable for all ages. Think of the Peanuts cartoons set to music, but not like any of the TV specials."
Appearing in the production are Doug Kotecki as Charlie Brown, Jamal Williams as Linus, Christopher Bell as Schroeder, Natalie Hrovat as Lucy, Kaaren Holt as Patty, and Katie Robinson as Snoopy.
The head of the technical crew is Tom Schultz. Michelle Stevenson is performing the music, and will be accompanied by a small pit band.