Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters are funny. They can also reveal some rather thought-provoking perspectives on life. And it is these endearing traits that will be on display during Warren Central High School’s upcoming production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Richard Culpepper, who is serving alongside Harlan Mapp and Caitlyn Jeffers as musical directors of the production, said the musical will highlight real-life situations each Peanuts character experiences.

“(The musical) has no overarching plot, but rather plays out a day in the life of the characters through a series of vignettes that sees each character dealing with their own insecurities as they navigate the ups and downs of childhood, friendship, and self-discovery and what it means to be happy,” Culpepper said. 

Those experiences in turn demonstrate to the audience, he said, that even when things don’t go as planned, life is still full of moments worth celebrating.

The cast of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” is comprised of seven of Schulz’s characters: Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy and Woodstock.

With this being a smaller cast than Warren Central’s musicals typically consist of, Culpepper said they have two groups, or two casts, that will alternate for performances.

The reasoning for having two smaller casts, which have been dubbed the yellow cast and the black cast in reference to the classic colors of Charlie Brown’s iconic t-shirt, he said, was partly due to the limitations of the auditorium.

“We decided on a small cast this year partly because we are still in the middle of renovations for our auditorium and weren’t sure what type of venue we would be able to utilize,” he said. “Although our updating is not complete, we have a stage and curtains with a couple of spotlights that allows us to perform at our own home theater.”  

Another reason for the smaller show, he said, was to allow students to have a more in-depth experience on the stage.

Cast members include Joseph Pinkins; Seth Cochran; Lauren Wheelock; Tye Moseley; Chloe Hardy; Zoebelle Pittman; Riley Comans; Laroda Fultz; Madison Ramsey; Cody Wells; Gracie Summers; and Sera Watts. There are also seven students on the crew working as stage manager, lights, sound, and props master. Alan Lee, who is a student at Warren Central, has also helped with some choreography for certain musical numbers.

Culpepper said he thinks audience members of all ages will enjoy “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” due to the “uplifting, lighthearted and humorous situations.”

“Each character has their own unique struggles and desires,” Culpepper said. “Charlie Brown seeks approval and happiness but often finds himself in comically hopeless situations. Lucy is headstrong and loves to give advice, especially to Charlie Brown. But her own emotional needs are often overlooked. Schroeder is consumed by his devotion to music, specifically Beethoven, much to Lucy’s frustration. Linus has deep philosophical thoughts, particularly about his security blanket, while Sally’s earnest and sometimes naive perspective brings a fresh take on life’s challenges.”  

The opening performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, and will be presented by the yellow cast. Additional performances, with the alternating casts, will be offered at 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 27, 28 and March 1, at the WCHS Auditorium, 1000 Miss 27.

Tickets are $10 through Wednesday, Feb. 19, for general admission and students and teachers with I.D. After Feb. 19, tickets will be $15. Tickets are available online at https://wchsperformers.ludus.com/200474037.