HANCEVILLE — Wallace State Community College’s Theatre department is paying homage to Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz and the 50th anniversary of the debut of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Fresh off their presentation of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the cast is preparing for performances of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which first aired on CBS on Dec. 9, 1965. Quickly becoming a holiday tradition, the 30-minute program has been broadcast every year since its premiere.
“Charles M. Schulz characters strike a chord with so many people, and since we’re celebrating Wallace State’s 50th anniversary as well, we thought a celebration of “A Charlie Brown Christmas would be appropriate,” said Lauren Cantrell Salerno, director of the Wallace State Theatre program. “The students went straight into rehearsals for this show after wrapping up ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ and they can’t wait to perform for a live audience.”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be shown on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 10-11, at 7 p.m., in the Recital Hall of the Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Seating is limited, so reservations are needed. Call 256-352-8277 to make a reservation.
Along with the production, audience members will get to enjoy treats after the performance, hear live Christmas music and can take photos with the Peanuts characters. Each child will receive a Charlie Brown Christmas tree cookie while supplies last.
The cast includes River Shadix of Somerville, as Charlie Brown; Megan Melton of Hayden, as Sally Brown; Hannah Stringer of Cullman, as Lucy Van Pelt; Trey Moody of Hartselle, as Snoopy; Duke Cleghorn of Cullman, as Schroeder; and Austin Barnett of Hanceville, as Linus Van Pelt.
Other supporting players include Zach Lindsey of Hartselle, as Pig Pen; Missy Hargove, of Gurley, as Frieda; Emma Denson of Decatur, as Violet; Teryn Simmons of Lawrenceville, Ga., as Patty; Cliff Emond as Shermy; Marissa Hilton of Mount Olive, as Marcie; Julie Newton of Hanceville, as Woodstock; and ensemble actors Hannah Ward, Gabby Grace, and Zack Jackson.
For more information about Wallace State Theatre and all programs at Wallace State Community College, visit www.wallacestate.edu or call 256-352-8000.
