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TRIBUTE TO A ’GOOD MAN’

By Paulanne Simmons
The Brooklyn Paper
The Brooklyn Papers / Greg Mango
Animated characters: (Left to right) Danielle Poggi, as Sally, Guy Colgan, as Charlie Brown, and Stephen Fontana, as Snoopy, in Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Theatre Company's production of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."

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This year Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Theatre Company is presenting a work by one of the borough’s own - "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown," by the late Clark Gesner, who lived in Brooklyn Heights for over 20 years and died on July 23.

"We had a small group this year. We wanted to showcase [the kids]," explains Joseph Appel, who heads the group. "The last play we did was ’West Side Story,’ which is a mature play. This time we wanted to do something more family-oriented. This is a good show for teenagers."

For the first time, the show will also be directed by a teenager, Danny Volpe.

"He’s a very talented and responsible young man," says Appel. "He’s graduating this year, and I wanted to give him a shot."

The show features Guy Colgan as Charlie Brown, Stephen Fontana as Snoopy, Michael Maldonado as Linus, Jennifer Prezioso as Lucy, Jude Alesci as Schroeder and Danielle Poggi as Sally.

But this is truly a community effort. "Whole families got involved; mothers made costumes. The kids built the set," Appel says.

Appel is especially proud of the set, which he says "looks like a Charlie Brown cartoon."

Our Lady of Guadalupe Youth Theatre is using the updated 1999 Tony Award-winning Broadway version of the musical.

"It’s more rock ’n’ roll. There are two new songs. This generation will like it better," says Appel. He’s also hoping the popularity of the Charlie Brown characters will help bring in large audiences.

"Everyone knows and likes them," says Appel. Indeed it seems "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" will become a classic, in performances long after the author’s death.

"You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" plays Sept. 20-29, Fridays and Saturdays 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm at The Our Lady of Guadalupe school auditorium [1518 73rd St. at 15th Avenue in Bensonhurst]. For reservations, call (718) 232-6920.

©2002 Community Newspaper Group


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