CAST READY FOR PLAY

The cast of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” is not large, but the stage is filled with the six-member troupe’s spirit and personalities.

The Catholic High School musical, opening tonight in the school’s cafeteria, is the type future stars look back on with nostalgia once they have made their careers.

“Even though it’s a small cast, they have a lot of enthusiasm for their characters,” said Jack Sorenson, drama teacher and director of the production.

Rehearsals started in January after auditions filled the roles with a host of upper-level students, plus one outstanding middle school student.

“As I started the play, I opened the auditions up to the middle-schoolers for casting possibilities,” Sorenson said. By doing so, Sorenson found the perfect actor for a key role in the play.

Lanie Marcantel plays the indomitable Lucy Van Pelt, the good natured antagonist to the block-headed everyman Charlie Brown. Already a seasoned performer, sixth-grader Marcantel brings a long history of performing to this week’s show.

“I’ve been in nine shows already,” Marcantel said, adding she loves performing because of the opportunity to be herself. Acting is something she feels called to do.

“It helps me express myself,” she said. “I like the thrill of it, of being on stage, of getting the jitters, of knowing there’s an audience sitting there watching.”

Marcantel’s prior productions include “A Christmas Carol,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Oklahoma,” but this is her first major role.

“I was so excited,” she said. “I was waiting by the phone with my friend, and when Mr. Sorenson called I was jumping up and down.”

But there are more future stars in this cast than one. With such a small number of parts each cast member must be right for their role. Charlie Brown is played by senior Phillip Smith, sophomore Sarah Leonard plays Linus Van Pelt, senior Lauren Broussard plays Schroeder, senior Cindy Broussard plays Sally and the effervescent Snoopy is played by Travis Guillory.

Tickets are $8 at the CHS main office and $10 at the door. Performances run from tonight through Thursday. All shows begin at 7 p.m.