By SDCN Editor
Carlsbad, CA–New Village Arts will showcase the popular musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” through its Mainstage Players program.
Based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, with book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner, the musical will run from June 29 to July 1 on the Ray Charles Stage in the Conrad Prebys Theatre at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center in Carlsbad.
The production cast features teen and young adult actors with neurodiversity from its Mainstage Players program. The initiative, which started over nine years ago as a sketch comedy class called Monday Night Live!, has evolved into a comprehensive professional theatrical training program. During the summer, students create and perform original plays for the community. Recently, the theater received a grant from the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities to support its work with neurodiverse artists, primarily individuals on the autism spectrum or with Down syndrome.
The 45-minute adaptation of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be directed by Samantha Ginn, with musical direction by Alba Garcia and choreography by Amara Young. The cast features Max Lecanu-Fayet as Charlie Brown, Emily Sandoval as Lucy, Ethan Marr as Linus, Stephanie Monis as Sally, Reid Moriarty as Schroeder, Paul Eddy as Snoopy, Charley Murtagh as Peppermint Patty, and Rachel Ford as The Little Red-Haired Girl.
The musical follows a day in the life of Charlie Brown, the lovable underdog from the Peanuts comic strip. Along with his friends Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, and his trusty dog Snoopy, Charlie navigates the ups and downs of childhood with humor and heart. From baseball games to kite-flying adventures and school assignments, this musical celebrates the simple joys and challenges of being a kid. Full of catchy songs and endearing moments, including songs like “My New Philosophy” and “Happiness,” it’s a feel-good show for all ages.
The creative team for the production will be led by teaching artist and director Samantha Ginn, who started the theater’s work with the neurodiverse community nearly ten years ago. Recognized as the local expert on serving this community, Ginn has run programs at The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, and others, in addition to her highly lauded work with New Village Arts. Ginn will work alongside teaching artist and assistant Paul Eddy, with stage managers Isabella Regan and Corin Magee. New Village Art’s Executive Artistic Director and Founder, Kristianne Kurner, will be the scenic designer, while Artistic Producer, Kali Boston, will design the costumes. The team also includes Stephaney Knapp as the lighting designer, Marcus Rico on sound design and audio operation, and Cassandra Walker and Michelle Wolsky collaborating on prop design.
This project has been a longtime dream for Ginn, who has dedicated her professional career to bringing arts experiences to the neurodiverse community. She recognizes that working as an actor and theatre artist has given these teens and young adults a purpose in life that has changed their lives for good.
“I am so thrilled to be directing “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” with the marvelous Mainstage Players! Ever since I was a kid I loved ‘Charlie Brown.’ It was comforting for me to see unique, funny, and larger-than-life characters trying to navigate the complexities of being human,” Ginn said. “The Peanuts helped me not feel so alone in my human experience. So now it’s a dream come true to be co-creating such a fabulous show with my favorite group of people.
“I couldn’t be more excited that we are producing “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” with our Mainstage Players here at New Village Arts,” said Kiara Hudlin, manager of New Village Art’s Education and Fellowship. “Our inclusive programming really fosters a sense of community and belonging and that continues to remain one of our biggest missions as we develop new programming for our neurodiverse and special needs community. I can’t wait to see the impact that “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” has on families and students throughout San Diego.”
New Village Art for the neurodiverse community in North County has shown remarkable results, enhancing creativity, socialization skills, teamwork, and a passion for performance. Some of their artists have secured professional representation and continue to pursue careers in the arts, while others leverage their theatrical training in social and professional settings.
For more information on the performance schedule and times, visit newvillagearts.org or call (760) 433-3245.
