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Lander Theatre Department to Present a Musical Featuring the Peanuts Gang

Jennifer SansfaconThe gang from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip "Peanuts" will take the stage at Lander University's Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center in November, as a cast that includes students and one faculty member performs, "Snoopy!!! The Musical."

The play is directed by assistant professor of theatre Jennifer Sansfacon. She said the production made its debut in the mid-1970s as the sequel to "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." The Lander production will follow the Peanuts gang over the course of a year and include scenes in the Great Pumpkin patch, and holiday celebrations at Christmas and Easter.

Sansfacon said, "It's a fun family show with lots of singing and dancing." The cast of 13 was selected after open auditions. Snoopy will be played by senior theatre major Ryan Hewitt, of Florence. Lander mathematics professor Dr. Andre Lubecke will appear as Marcie, the bespectacled bookworm and best friend of Peppermint Patty. Lubecke is also the understudy for the Peppermint Patty role.

In addition to directing the production, Sansfacon is also in charge of design and technical aspects. Associate professor of music Chuck Neufeld is the musical director and choreography is under the direction of assistant professor of dance Hannah Park.

A number of Lander theatre students are involved in behind-the-scenes technical details and some will receive course credits.

The play will open on Wednesday, Nov. 14, and run through Saturday, Nov. 17. Weeknight performances will begin at 8 p.m. with the Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold starting at 5 p.m. for the Wednesday through Friday shows and at noon for the Saturday matinee. Ticket prices are $5.00 and $2.00 for students. Children 10 and under will be admitted free.