A Charlie Brown Christmas

60 minutes
Taft Theatre

Back by popular demand, bring your family and celebrate the season with our live rendition of your favorite holiday TV special! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down. Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us about what’s most important during the Yuletide season. 2019 marks the 54th anniversary of the animated TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the CBS program debuted on December 9, 1965.

 

Ages
4+
Grades
K - 8
Public Performances
December 7-8 & 13-15
School Performances
December 10-13 & 16

What Critics Are Saying About the Show

This production will warm your heart. It’s both familiar and fresh, full of great music and enthusiastic performances. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with a show that features Bob Herzog wagging a physical tail. You kind of get the impression that’s what he’s always doing in his mind...
— ArtsWave Guide
My five-year-old loved the characters, antics, and jokes, and I got swept up in the nostalgia and meaningful reminders that this classic TV show is known for...
— Cincinnati Parent
...I promise you, you will all leave feeling happier and more in the spirit than ever before!
— Elemeno-P Kids

Cast

Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
DAVID ARMANDO
Shermy, u/s Charlie Brown

DAVID ARMANDO

Shermy, u/s Charlie Brown
David is thrilled to be making his TCT debut! Credits include Five Little Monkeys (Three), A Christmas Carol (Ensemble), The Jungle Book (Baloo), Legally Blonde -- The Musical (Emmett), and Seussical (Horton). He trained at Virginia Commonwealth University and was an acting intern at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for the 2018-19 season. He enjoys playing the mandolin and cheering on the Washington Capitals. He thanks his family and friends for their love and support. No pare! Sigue, sigue!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
AMY S. BAUMANN
Peppermint Patty

AMY S. BAUMANN

Peppermint Patty
Amy is very excited to be rejoining the TCT family after living out of town the past seven years. Some of her favorite experiences here have been How I Became A Pirate (Swill), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Santa’s Toy Factory (Candy) and The Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch). Amy is grateful for this opportunity and thankful to be back home with friends and family, having an amazing work family, and starting this next chapter with Jess and their new little love, Eadie Joann.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
DONALD BURNS
Franklin

DONALD BURNS

Franklin
Donald studied Theatre and English at Xavier University and is proud to be returning for another TCT show! Previous credits include Cannibal Galaxy: A Love Story (Vadim) Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Black Fox/ Henry Clay) Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle/ Media) Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Ensemble), and The Great Space Caper (Captain Buzby). He would like to thank his friends, family, and God for all their love and support!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MADELEINE BURGOON
Marcie

MADELEINE BURGOON

Marcie
Maddie is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a B.F.A. in musical theatre. She has been performing with TCT for 14 years. Favorite productions include Peter Pan JR. (Tiger Lily), Santa’s Toy Factory, The Day Before Christmas, Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs, and Seussical JR. She has also choreographed for TCT (The Wizard of Oz). Other favorite choreography credits include Spamalot, 25th Annual...Spelling Bee, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She teaches dance, with her work receiving national awards in tap, musical theatre, hip hop, and contemporary. Maddie is TCT’s Education Manager.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JEREMY NEALE COX
Linus

JEREMY NEALE COX

Linus
Jeremy is thrilled to be performing with TCT again. He was last seen in Tarzan the Stage Musical Based on the Disney Film (Gorilla Dance Ensemble). Other credits include: She Loves Me (Kodaly), Li'l Abner (Dr. Finsdale /Dance Captain) with KRT; Guys & Dolls (Scranton Slim), The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), 42nd Street (Ensemble), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (Neleus), 9 to 5 (Doctor) with CLP; and others. @jeremynealecox jeremynealecox.com
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
BROOKE CHAMBERLIN
Ensemble, u/s Peppermint Patty, Lucy

BROOKE CHAMBERLIN

Ensemble, u/s Peppermint Patty, Lucy
Brooke previously appeared on the Taft stage as Alice in TCT's world premiere of Alice in Wonderland. Other stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Belinda) and To Kill A Mockingbird (Scout) with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Miracle Worker (Helen) with Cincinnati Landmark Productions, and various roles in TCT's STAR NKU Intensive for the past six years. Brooke will be appearing as Emma in the upcoming film The Christmas Masterpiece produced by GC Film Productions.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
SYLAS CRAVEN
Ensemble, u/s Schroeder, Shermy

SYLAS CRAVEN

Ensemble, u/s Schroeder, Shermy
Sylas is excited to perform in his first MainStage show at TCT. He has performed locally in Seussical JR. (Horton the Elephant), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Shrek the Musical JR. (Donkey), CYPT’s Legally Blonde – The Musical (Callahan), and many more. Sylas would like to thank his family for being his biggest fans and supporting him every day. He hopes you all enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MARLO D'ASCENZO
Ensemble, u/s Violet, Frieda

MARLO D'ASCENZO

Ensemble, u/s Violet, Frieda
Marlo is thrilled to be a part of TCT's 2019-20 season. Previous TCT credits include: Santa Claus: The Musical (Prancer), Peter Pan JR. (Twin 2), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, Elf the Musical JR., The Wizard of Oz, and Disney’s Aladdin JR.. She has performed regionally in Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Gabriella), Seussical JR. (Gertrude), School House Rock (Dori), and Crossroads’ Awaited (soloist). She is passionate about singing, playing piano, tap dancing, teaching, and spending time with friends & family.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MIA BELLA D'ASCENZO
Ensemble, u/s Woodstock

MIA BELLA D'ASCENZO

Ensemble, u/s Woodstock
Mia is elated to return to the stage at TCT for her seventh season. Prior TCT credits include: Santa Claus: The Musical (Comet), Peter Pan JR. (Twin 1), Disney's the Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Disney's Aladdin JR. (Iago), Annie JR. (Molly), The Wizard Oz, Elf the Musical JR., and Pinkalicious. Mia has appeared in Disney's High School Musical JR. (Taylor), Seussical JR. (Mayzie), and Awaited. In her free time, Mia loves to read, water ski, teach, bake, and spend time with her family & friends.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
IAN TIMOTHY FORSGREN
Pig Pen, u/s Snoopy

IAN TIMOTHY FORSGREN

Pig Pen, u/s Snoopy
Ian has performed and premiered work in numerous productions and festivals around the world. He is excited to return to TCT after last season’s performances in SUPERMAN™ (Jukes) and Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Ensemble). Ian is also a filmmaker and an award winning published photographer. He teaches yoga, pilates, and is an instructor of DANCEFIX by HBDC, a nationally acclaimed dance class located in Cincinnati and Nashville. Ian hopes you enjoy this performance!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
HALEY GILLMAN
Lucy

HALEY GILLMAN

Lucy
Haley returned to the Taft Theatre stage with TCT last October as Coco in Casper The Friendly Musical. She also appeared in TCT’s production of SUPERMAN™ (Tour Guide/Ensemble), Northern Kentucky University’s production of Cabaret (Fräulein Lost), The Last Five Years (Cathy), and Black Boy in Pink (Blair).
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
CHLOE GOODMAN
Ensemble, u/s Marcie

CHLOE GOODMAN

Ensemble, u/s Marcie
Chloe began acting in 6th grade at her school. She is very excited to be a part of her first TCT production and would like to thank her parents for their unconditional support. Chloe recently appeared in a production of Curtains (Ensemble).
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
FAUSTINA GORHAM
Frieda, u/s Lucy

FAUSTINA GORHAM

Frieda, u/s Lucy
Faustina is a junior musical theatre major at Northern Kentucky University. Some of her favorite productions there include Cabaret (Emcee), Kiss Me Kate (Ensemble), Carrie: The Musical (Carrie White) and Hedda Gabler (Thea Elvsted) She was also recently seen in the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts’ production of 42nd Street (Lorraine). She is so excited to perform with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati for the first time!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JOSEPH GREEN
Charlie Brown

JOSEPH GREEN

Charlie Brown
Joseph is thrilled to be making his professional debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! His previous credits include Crazy for You (Everett Baker), 1776 (George Reed), and The Grapes of Wrath (Uncle John). He wants to thank his family, friends, and colleagues for their endless love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
BOB HERZOG
Snoopy

BOB HERZOG

Snoopy
Bob thinks of The Children's Theatre as a big part of his life. He was in his first show for the company over 20 years ago now and feels incredibly grateful for the relationship between TCT and the place where he does his "regular job," Local 12, which allows him to continue performing. As an anchor for Good Morning Cincinnati, he enjoys his role as a storyteller and loves finding moments to make people smile both on TV and social media. Bob is a Cincinnati guy. He graduated from Oak Hills High School, Xavier University and Chase College of Law at NKU. His number one hobby is spending time with his incredible wife and family. Bob's TCT credits include: Peter Pan JR. (Captain Hook), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Gaston), Disney’s Aladdin JR. (Genie), and Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. (Willy Wonka) just to name a few
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
GEOFFREY HILL
Ensemble, u/s Franklin, Pig Pen, Linus

GEOFFREY HILL

Ensemble, u/s Franklin, Pig Pen, Linus
Geoffrey studied at Northern Kentucky University and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. His work includes One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest with The Drama Workshop, Disney’s Aladdin JR. and Black Nativity with Cincinnati Black Theatre Company and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom with Northern Kentucky University.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
AUBREY E. JONES
Sally

AUBREY E. JONES

Sally
Aubrey is a sophomore at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts. She has appeared in shows including Santa Claus: The Musical (Bee), Hairspray JR. (Lil Inez), A Christmas Carol (want), Elf the Musical JR. (Shawanda), Orphan Trains (Maria). She has a background in competitive gymnastics and dance, she has appeared as a featured dancer in national music videos and is constantly willing to learn more about her craft. This is her fifth season with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She couldn’t be happier to be back.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JOEY LOGAN
Woodstock

JOEY LOGAN

Woodstock
Joey is so excited to bring this childhood memory to life. To this day, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a feature he and his family watch every year during the holidays. Previous Taft Theatre credits with TCT include Peter Pan JR. (Pirate Ensemble) Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Robertson Ay), Cinderella (Doris) and Casper The Friendly Musical (Fatso). Wright State University class of 2017. All my love to my family. Website: joeylogan.me Instagram: @JoEELogan.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
EVAN KOONS
Schroeder

EVAN KOONS

Schroeder
From Cleves Ohio, Evan studied vocal performance at Taylor University. He is excited to be back with TCT after appearing in past productions of Sleeping Beauty (Prince Charming) and SUPERMAN™ (Superman/Clark Kent). Other leading credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Adam), Oklahoma! (Curly), The Matchmaker (Vandergelder), The Marriage of Figaro (Almaviva), and Kiss Me Kate (Fred).
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JOHN WENSTRUP
Santa

JOHN WENSTRUP

Santa
John's been singing on stage since the first grade. He is a road-tested baritone with occasional base and tenor notes mixed in for show! He debuted with TCT in Elf the Musical JR. (Santa). Elsewhere, he has appeared in Seussical (Genghis Kahn Schmitz), Shrek The Musical (Papa Bear), The Wizard of Oz (Lion), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (King Triton), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Father) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Maurice). He is Papa Claus - your Hometown Santa making over 100 personal, corporate and charitable visits each year. John has written many parody musicals and currently is collaborating with cartoonist Steve Wallace on their first children's book - Three Cheers for Mrs. Santa Claus. John is an accomplished writer, producer and director. John enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, five brilliant daughters and seven adorable grandchildren, all of which are big fans of TCT!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ALEXANDRA WILLIAMS
Violet

ALEXANDRA WILLIAMS

Violet
Alexandra is thrilled to be a part of TCT's family again as a Peanut! She performed in multiple TCT shows and participated in STAR camp when she was a kid. Alexandra is a graduate of Xavier University with a B.A. in theatre performance and recently received her teaching license in theatre education. She is a Cincinnati native and has performed locally in many places. Thanks to her whole family, friends, the good Lord, and especially her hubby, Cam. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Credits

By Charles M. Schulz. 

Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson. 

Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer. 

By special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK.

Directed and Choreographed by Roderick Justice

Assistant Stage Director: A James Jones

Music Director: Jamey Strawn

Production Stage Manager: Jennifer M. Picone

Stage Manager: Laura Stenger

Lighting Design: Benjamin Gantose

Properties Master: Sydney Sheets

Technical Director: Spencer Burke

Company Manager: Eric Byrd

Animation by Lightborne

Sound Design: Bill Fuss

Costume Design Originally Conceptualized by Noelle Wedig

Costume Design Adapted by Jeff Shearer

Woodstock Puppet Originally Designed by Kevin Frisch

Scenic Design Originally Conceptualized by David Centers

Musicians:

Jamey Strawn: Piano

Joe Bishop: Bass

Mike Johns: Percussion

Show Resources

Study Guides
Podcasts
A Charlie Brown Christmas Edition

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, invites the young (and young-at-heart) to take a peek behind the scenes of TCT On Tour with Audio Footlights. Bob Herzog, 12 WKRC-TV anchor (and the actor who’s playing everyone’s favorite canine, Snoopy) sits down to chat with Joseph Green, who plays Charlie Brown in the show.

Thematic Connections
Celebrations, Courage, Exploring Differences in Others, Holiday Giving, Imagination, Literature, Music, Possibilities, Social Skills, Strength of Character

Show Sponsors