You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – a school wide effort at SHS

Jeff Green | Apr 24, 2024

Kristen Martin, the music and drama teacher at Sydenham High School.  has been building up the arts and music program at the school for several years, and that effort has culminated in the first large-scale musical to be put on at the school in over 15 years. ((They had a short student written and produced musical last year!) 

While planning for the production itself over a year ago, Martin said she has been laying the groundwork for longer than that.   

“We worked really hard to build up our arts program” she said, in an interview this week, “rebuilding our concert band after covid shutdowns, starting up a rock band and vocal ensemble, and restarting Syds Café [a low-key open mic type student performance venue after school] again. It has been a journey with the students, but very gratifying.”  

The decision to choose “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” for the production, came about because they wanted to choose a light-hearted and fun musical that would offer lots of opportunity to different student groups. 

“On last year’s band trip to Canada’s Wonderland Liam Guthrie was very excited about the purchase of a Charlie Brown mug. His enthusiasm for the Peanuts locked in our choice. He plays Pig Pen in our performance,” said Martin.  

The play is about life’s simple joys, friendships, and resilience, which Martin says we can all relate to now. Charlie Brown is played by grade 9 student Lauren Good, Schroeder is played by Charlise Varrette, Linus by Carter Bomba, Lucy by Honour McQuay, Sally by Caelyn Duffy and Snoopy by Alexia Hotner.  

Once the planning for the play got underway in earnest with auditions in November and December, it has morphed into a school-wide project.  

“A lot of students are involved in one way or another, from acting, to set design, sound design, tech, publicity, you name it, and about half of the staff are involved as well. It’s a huge amount of work, a total community effort,” she said.  

And it has all come down to tech rehearsals this week, and performances starting on Monday. You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown will also be the first large production to go up in the 120-seat theatre space that was built as part of the latest renovation to the 151-year-old school.  

Kristen Martin said that the hope is to have a musical production once every two years at SHS. Musical productions are a lot of work, money, and a huge time commitment, but the opportunity to bring the school and wider community together is well worth it. There’s nothing like a school musical to foster connection, ignite creativity, and cultivate a community that embraces diversity and self-expression. 

“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” is having preview performances for SHS feeder schools at the beginning of next week, followed by a performance for students on Wednesday, May 1st. 

Performances for the public begin on Wednesday evening, at 7pm, and run until Saturday evening, May 4th. There is an added Saturday Matinee performance at 2pm as well. Advance tickets are sold out for the Thursday and Friday evening performances, although there will be a limited number available at the door. Advance tickets for the Wednesday evening performances, as well as both Saturday performances, are still available at the school, Tickets are $15. Call the school, 613-376-3612 for details.