“Charlie Brown” kicks off 2026-2027 theatre season
September 17, 2026
- Ashlyn KinleyThe Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts will present “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” from Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 24-27, in Verser Theatre. Thursday and Friday’s shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday’s performances will start at 2:30 p.m.
This production is based on the classic Peanuts comic strips. At the end of last summer, the students were assigned roles and worked to come back to campus prepared to hit the ground running with rehearsals. Daniel Stargel, assistant professor of musical theatre and stage director of this performance, said the students have shown true dedication to the show and that their hard work is paying off.
“I hope that people are encouraged to find some perseverance in Charlie Brown’s character and how he just keeps going,” Stargel said.
He related Charlie Brown’s character to Proverbs 21:16, which says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Like the proverb, students hope to convey encouragement to keep going.
“There is something really neat about someone who believes the best in other people,” Stargel said.
Dr. Ian Aipperspach, associate dean of the School of Performing Arts and the production’s director of music, shared a similar sentiment.
“I love seeing the growth in students,” Aipperspach said. “I love seeing how we start at square one and then go all the way to the final show together.”
He added that he grew up watching Charlie Brown, so seeing students play these roles makes him fall in love with the story all over again. Aipperspach also believes that the show can help audiences reflect on their own lives and experiences.
“What do you enjoy?” Aipperspach said. “What makes you happy? Because the closing song is about happiness — and what can that mean to every person.”
Gavin Anders, a junior musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, plays Charlie Brown.
“This is the biggest role I’ve had at Ouachita, so that alone is pretty exciting,” Anders said. “It can also be a lot of pressure. This is one of the most recognizable cartoon characters out there.”
He personally relates to the character Charlie Brown and said this production has inspired him in so many ways.
“No matter how many times Charlie Brown gets knocked down, he just gets right back up,” Anders said. “He has the kind of hope and perseverance that I want to have.”
Tickets are $8-10 and will be available at obu.edu/boxoffice or on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box in JPAC. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.
Cast:
- Gavin Anders, a junior musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, as Charlie Brown
- Danielle Rivera, a junior musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, as Lucy Van Pelt
- Katie Miller, a senior musical theatre major from Conroe, Texas, as Snoopy
- Virginia Waterman, a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas, as Sally Brown
- Zeke Andrews, a sophomore theatre education major from Sherwood, Arkansas, as Linus Van Pelt
- Jordyn Purtle, a junior musical theatre major from Benton, Arkansas, as female swing
Production team:
- Dr. Ian Aipperspach, associate dean of the School of Performing Arts – music director
- John Forkner, assistant professor of theatre arts – stage director
- Hannah Gribnitz, a senior theatre education major from Golden, Colorado – stage manager
- Miriam Vermeer, a junior theatre arts major from Ashdown, Arkansas, and Savannah Dillon, a freshman musical theatre major from Mabelvale, Arkansas – assistant stage managers
- Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts and Department of Theatre Arts chair – set design
Lead photo by Sydney Nipper
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