Lake-Lehman Theatre Troupe to present ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Dec. 5-6

The cast of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ pose for a photo. First row, from left, are Jason Marcin as Schroeder, Paige Eiswerth as Snoopy, Gianna Kurtz as Mimi, Katelyn Sincavage as Evelyn, Erin McLaughlin as Peppermint Patty, Eva Sicurella as Patty. Second row, Kylie Nevel as Linus, Rylee Chapin as Sally, Lizzy Blaski as Pig Pen, Amanda May as Shermy, K.K. Steele as Sandy, Tristen Cotter as Charlotte, Julia Bucholtz as Violet.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_DP-11292015-CharlieBrown-2.jpg.optimal.jpgThe cast of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ pose for a photo. First row, from left, are Jason Marcin as Schroeder, Paige Eiswerth as Snoopy, Gianna Kurtz as Mimi, Katelyn Sincavage as Evelyn, Erin McLaughlin as Peppermint Patty, Eva Sicurella as Patty. Second row, Kylie Nevel as Linus, Rylee Chapin as Sally, Lizzy Blaski as Pig Pen, Amanda May as Shermy, K.K. Steele as Sandy, Tristen Cotter as Charlotte, Julia Bucholtz as Violet.

Members of the Lake-Lehman Theatre Troupe stage crew are, from left, A.J. Raczkowski, Rebecca Meehan, Sarah Stanski, Zack Fields. Standing is Stephanie Ayers.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_DP-11292015-CharlieBrown-3.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the Lake-Lehman Theatre Troupe stage crew are, from left, A.J. Raczkowski, Rebecca Meehan, Sarah Stanski, Zack Fields. Standing is Stephanie Ayers.

Students at Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School rehearse for the upcoming production of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’ In front, Schroeder, played by Jason Marcin, plays piano. Behind him, from left, are Gianna Kurtz as Mimi, Eva Sicurella as Patty, K.K. Steele as Sandy, Julia Bucholtz as Violet, Katelyn Sincavage as Evelyn, Amanda May as Shermy.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_DP-11292015-CharlieBrown-1.jpg.optimal.jpgStudents at Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School rehearse for the upcoming production of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’ In front, Schroeder, played by Jason Marcin, plays piano. Behind him, from left, are Gianna Kurtz as Mimi, Eva Sicurella as Patty, K.K. Steele as Sandy, Julia Bucholtz as Violet, Katelyn Sincavage as Evelyn, Amanda May as Shermy.

LEHMAN TWP. — Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.

The Lake-Lehman Theatre Troupe will present the holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

Lake-Lehman Theatre Director Gina Major said the production was chosen because this year is the 50th anniversary of the original play, which was first televised Dec. 9, 1965.

In the show, Schroder, played by Jason Marcin, tries to get Charlie Brown, played by Wesley Price, out of his Christmas “funk.” Disturbed by the materialism associated with the holiday, Charlie Brown seeks the true meaning of Christmas — with a little help from his friends.

“Schroder keeps everything on a high level. I’m not a musician myself but like to act like one with some wild jazzy Christmas music,” Marcin said during a dress rehearsal.

Equally high-spirited is Evelyn, played by Katelyn Sincavage. “Evelyn is not a well-known character so I had fun embellishing her. I gave her a kinder image because all the others were kind of down on Charlie Brown, but I tell them to lay off of him, “Sincavage said.

Eva Sicurella plays Patty and her character helps define a spirit of caring and thankfulness during Christmas rather than “always being jealous of everyone,” she said.

And Kylie Nevell, who plays the part of Linus, wraps up the show with a biblical monologue describing the setting of the Christmas scene in Bethlehem.

Not a religious play by any means, the cast thought the show was written in a way to not offend or promote any particular religious group but rather to appeal to everyone in the audience.

Major said the production stays strict to the original script and highlights the true meaning of Christmas — peace and joy.

In order to help develop toddler characters the cast attended the new “Peanuts” movie with toddlers, then interacted with the youngsters during a live, on-stage workshop filled with games and exercises that explore how toddlers react when presented with different stimuli.

“The kids were almost unconscious after I gave them my Beethoven lecture,” said Marcin.

“It’s an example of a workshop we create to get deep into character of whatever script we are using,” added Major.

Refreshments will be served. A bake sale and raffle will be held. Other Christmas carols will be sung along with the audience and Santa promises to make an appearance and pose for pictures with children for a donation to Brandon’s Forever Home, a nonprofit organization that helps foster children find permanent homes.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens.