THUNDER BAY — A Charlie Brown Christmas may be the most iconic holiday special of them all.
Although Dr. Seuss might disagree with that ranking, the story is so well known and so beloved that trying to do it justice on stage is never an easy task.
The senior drama class at Westgate Collegiate has done a pretty fine job.
Students at the south-side school chose the 1965 animated special – that network executives initially weren’t interested in airing – as this year’s Christmas musical.
Sixteen-year-old Madison Chapman took on the role of Lucy, Charlie Brown’s chief antagonist and a proponent of modern-day Christmas consumerism.
Chapman, who took drama in Grade 9, said the class produced some of her best high school memories, so she wanted to try out her acting chops again in Grade 11.
Lucy, who famously says “Everyone knows Christmas is a big commercial racket, run by a big eastern syndicate,” was the perfect way to jump back in.
“She’s very comedic, when she wants to be. She holds her own and I like that about her. I think I can a little bit relate to her about that.”
The story, featuring Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters, sees Charlie Brown feeling down about the meaning of Christmas, his own dog, Snoopy, caught up in the glitz and glitter. Lucy offers him the job of director of their school’s Christmas play, and Charlie Brown is ultimately tasked with finding the perfect Christmas tree.
Of course, he chooses the smallest, saddest wooden tree, on a lot filled with brightly coloured aluminum options, overriding the warnings of his idealist, blanket-carrying friend, Linus.
“I think it needs me.”
Charlie Brown is scorned for his choice, then seeks the true meaning of Christmas, which Linus delivers, reading a passage from the Bible.
Drama teacher, Leah Nadin, said A Charlie Brown Christmas is an incredible, vibrant play, delivering a message to which everyone can relate.
“It’s a timeless classic that goes across generations and it’s known for its colourfulness and its cartoon-like characters. The senior drama class has been working tirelessly for the last few weeks to put this show together,” Nadin said.
“It’s a small, but mighty, cast and they’ve brought this holiday classic to life on stage and we’re so proud of them.”
Extras, younger children watching from the sideline, include students from Elsie MacGill Public School and children of Westgate staffers.
A portion of the proceeds from the show are being donated to the Regional Food Distribution Association. Donations of non-perishable foods are also being collected.
The show runs on Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Westgate cafetorium. Tickets are $15 and available at the main office.
