Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Russ Hagen

To the Editor:

“Peanuts” leapt off the comic page and onto the Waukon High School stage last night to perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. The audience was filled with enthusiastic parents and friends to welcome back musical theater to Waukon High School after a two-year hiatus.

Our favorite characters charmed us again as we peeked into the hopes and dreams of their lives.  Charlie Brown was played deftly and with great “Arrrrrrgh” by Roland Melcher.  Naomi Palmer was Sally, the little sister we all know and love.  Lucy Van Pelt was sassily played by Gabriella Gourley, dishing out nickel advice.  Gus Benjegerdes had the most fun creating Linus and his inseparable blanket.  Schroeder and his Beethoven passion was a treat to watch done by Connor Buhl.  Samantha Troester did our favorite puppy Snoopy, and had us all wanting to rush the stage and scratch Snoopy’s ears!

Special props go to Danielle Mason, Lily Monroe, Leah Peake and Kaylynne Smith rounding out the gang. My heart was especially warmed to see Leah dancing lightly and how proud her GG would be.

Opening night jitters and bumps didn’t slow the story.  A lively pit band kept the songs moving.

Devin Beckert and Hayden Comstock are to be commended for their first directing shot at a musical.  What a task, right!? It was for me, directing Community Players in YAGMCB in 1984.

The Allamakee Community School board and administration should be thanked for letting their staff give this rich opportunity to our children.

They say “A good man is hard to find”. We found him and his good friends on stage last night.  “Happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you”.

Russ Hagen
Waterville