…those who sing with you! The Class of 2022 Returns to the Stage with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Happiness is singing together when day is through,
and happiness is those who sing with you.
Happiness is morning and evening,
Daytime and nighttime too.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you!
As beloved campus traditions have continued to return throughout the 2021-22 school year, Hillbrook’s music department knew they wanted the 8th Grade Spring Musical – returning, as so many things have, after a lengthy hiatus – to be a truly special production. Over an action-packed quarter of singing, dancing, set-building, costume-sewing, line-learning, late nights, high notes, low notes, and everything in between, the Class of 2022 put on a show for the ages for the entire Hillbrook community: over two nights in late March, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” had our entire school community singing hooray, Beethoven, hooray!
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” isn’t just a classic show – it was an opportunity for Hillbrook’s 8th graders to come together as a community and create something truly extraordinary together. “There was a special energy to this show,” said stage director and middle school music teacher VanNessa Hulme Silbermann. “I think [students] chose this show because it’s just so iconic – and funny! The kids were really brought back the joy and the fun. We gave them jobs that they’ve never done before, and they really stepped up. It was a real team effort, and it brought the class together in pretty amazing ways.”
8th grade counselor and show choreographer Eden Maisel agreed. “Our goal was to have every 8th grader in a role that they felt comfortable with, whether it was on stage or back stage – we just met them where they were at, and they did the rest.”
Every 8th grader in the Class of 2022 had a hand in making “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” come to life – some students built sets in the Hub with electives teacher Ken Hay, learning to cut and measure pieces and paint backdrops; others worked on marketing and promoting the show, creating original posters and fliers to hang around campus. Students learned how to run sound boards, create sound effects, and hit high notes; they learned dance routines and costume fits and memorized dozens of lines of dialogue. Each participant quickly learned that every part in a production is equally important – the person holding the spotlight is just as key a role as the person underneath it. “One key thing I learned is how important everyone is,” said 8th grader Jane, who played Violet. “Actors, backstage, lighting – everyone plays important roles and a performance could not be put on without them.”
“And always go the extra mile,” marketing crew member Aidan said, “because the more work you put in, the better the show will turn out for the cast or crew.”
As a first-time stage manager, Deeksha remembered learning, “how to master the skill of multitasking – from handling distracted people [to] decorating [the lobby.]”
“[I was] paranoid about not doing enough work in the beginning, [but my] job had a lot of significance towards the end and during the show,” said Sharanya, who was in charge of decorations and concessions.
“I learned how to be a team player,” said Tess, who played Peppermint Patty. “This showcase takes extreme focus and teamwork, and if we don’t all work together then the show would not come together. Teamwork made the show possible.”
For the students in acting roles, they quickly discovered that the stage is the best place to learn how to leave any unwanted shyness behind. “It’s not weird to sing and dance – it’s weird to be the only one not singing and dancing,” Oliver said, reflecting on his role as Woodstock.
“In class I’m mostly quiet and don’t speak, so onstage I was able to be louder and more expressive,” said Kara, who played a key role as Shroeder. “My favorite memory was when Maya and I lifted Jane up during the school musical – it took lots of hard work and trial and error, and so it was rewarding when everyone cheered.”
“I learned that I can do more than I think possible,” said Brady, who starred as Charlie Brown. “And don’t be afraid to sing. If you practice a lot, you can do it.”
Creating the show together was, above all, an unforgettable bonding experience, creating memories that resonated with each member of the cast and crew in unique ways. “I was surprised by how much we bonded as a cast,” Brady said. Emery, who played Eudora, cited being backstage with friends as a favorite experience – especially when “[they were] supporting me when I came off stage.”
Tyler, who starred as Pigpen, remembered bonding with buddies after their in-school performance. “After [we performed] in front of the whole school, we got to show our 2nd grade buddies backstage – that was fun!”
Many of the students recalled having a blast decorating the gym lobby before the show. “My favorite memory is when I decorated the lobby with my friends and we all sang along to different songs,” said Abby, who played The Little Red-Haired Girl, Charlie Brown’s longtime crush.
When asked to remember a favorite lyric, several of the 8th graders loved the finale “Happiness” the most. “I like the ‘Happiness’ song because it shows all the good, happy things in the world and how little things can make someone happy,” said Emery.
Orchestra member and production artist Niko agreed: “I like ‘Happiness’ the most because it reminds us of the time that we spent together in middle school, or even my whole life.”
“Coming out of COVID and the first time being unmasked and singing again – this was the “normal” that everybody needed to return to,” Eden said. “It’s the simple pleasures of coming together in community and singing and laughing that we all needed. It’s in the song “Happiness” at the end: yes, happiness is like pizza with sausage! It’s the simple pleasures in life that humans need. Humans need connection, and they need the power of community.”