Meet the Gang

JOSEPH STALKER .....Snoopy

Snoopy is an extroverted beagle with a Walter Mitty complex. He is a virtuoso at every endeavor- at least in his daydreams atop his doghouse. He regards his master, Charlie Brown, as "that round-headed kid" who brings him his supper dish. He is fearless though prudently cautious about "the cat next door." He never speaks- that would be one human trait too many- but he manages to convey everything necessary in facial expressions and thought balloons. A one-man show with superior intelligence and vivid imagination, he has created such multiple personalities as: Joe Cool, World War I Flying Ace, Literary Ace, Flashbeagle, Vulture, Foreign Legionnaire, etc.

This is Joseph’s second appearance with TSP, but his first time ever playing a “DOG.” He is excited to be part of the cast. Joseph enjoys performing and looks forward to being in future shows. His previous appearances have included The Sound of Music with TSP, and H.M.S. Pinafore with WMTC. He is 17 and loves to be outdoors with his 120-pound Mastiff, who advised him to keep the reputation of dogs at a high standard during his performance as “Snoopy.” Joseph lives with his family near Woodstock.

LINDA ANDREWS .....Lucy

Lucy Van Pelt works hard at being bossy, crabby and selfish. She is loud and yells a lot. Her smiles and motives are rarely pure. She's a know-it-all who dispenses advice whether you want it or not--and for Charlie Brown, there's a charge. She's a fussbudget, in the true sense of the word. She's a real grouch, with only one or two soft spots, and both of them may be Schroeder, who prefers Beethoven. As she sees it, hers is the only way. The absence of logic in her arguments holds a kind of shining lunacy. When it comes to compliments, Lucy only likes receiving them. If she's paying one--or even smiling--she's probably up to something devious.

Linda is ecstatic to be playing a role she has coveted for quite some time in her very first production with the TownSquare Players. Hailing from Palatine, Linda has done most of her performing in the NorthWest Suburbs. She was most recently seen in Sweeney Todd directed by Shawn Stengel for LZP Productions and The Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical also with LZP Productions. Some of her other favorite roles include, Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie, Rusty in Footloose, Jan in Grease, a Step-Sister in Cinderella and Serena in Fame. Besides performing Linda also adores the technical side of Theatre. She is Co-Founder and President of Best of the Best Theatre Co. where she has recently produced and directed Into the Woods and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She would like to thank the staff of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown for giving her this fantastic opportunity, her adoring husband and as always her Fab Five for being so darn fabulous!

TIMOTHY R. CURTIS .....Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown wins your heart with his losing ways. It always rains on his parade, his baseball game, and his life. He's an inveterate worrier who frets over trifles (but who's to say they're trifles?). Although he is concerned with the true meaning of life, his friends sometimes call him "blockhead." Other than his knack for putting himself down, there are few sharp edges of wit in his repertoire; usually he's the butt of the joke, not the joker. He can be spotted a mile away in his sweater with the zig zag trim, head down, hands in pocket, headed for Lucy's psychiatric booth. He is considerate, friendly and polite and we love him knowing that he'll never win a baseball game or the heart of the little red-haired girl, kick the football Lucy is holding or fly a kite successfully. His friends call him "wishy-washy," but his spirit will never give up in his quest to triumph over adversity.

This show has special meaning for Tim as Charlie Brown is a role he has always wanted to play but also this show inspired his love for live theatre, having seen an early production on the “Hallmark Hall of Fame”. He recently appeared as Hermann Van Daan in TSP’s fall production of Diary of Anne Frank. Other recent roles include Andrew the Waiter in Beyond Therapy for Actors for Creative Theatrics, Capt. Corcoran in HMS Pinafore and Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street for Woodstock Musical theatre Company, Max Deitweiler in The Sound of Music at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake, multiple roles in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at PM & L Theater in Antioch and the role of Linus in Charlie Brown at the now defunct Memorial Hall Theater Company in Richmond. He has also flexed his technical muscles as well, have done sound design for A Christmas Story for WMTC , made his directorial debut this past summer with Fork in the Road by Crystal Lake playwright Judith Fergen for TSP’s Phoenix Workshop and will be directing a piece in April for the Stage Left Café’s Director’s Showcase. Tim lives in Woodstock and also serves as Treasurer for TSP’s Board of Directors. He would like to thank his wife Pam for all her love, support and patience and to Sally South for “getting his hinder back on track”!

BRIDGET GILLENWATER .....Sally

Sally Brown's brother, Charlie Brown, was so pleased and proud when she was born that he passed out chocolate cigars. Since then he's been trying to understand her. She always looks for the easy way out, particularly at school, where her view of life reflects much of the frustration and confusion kids experience. Her speech is riddled with malapropisms. Uninhibited, and precocious, she has a schoolgirl crush on Linus, her "Sweet Babboo." She may never win Linus' heart, but she has her big brother wrapped around her little finger. Sally, writing letters or doing homework, causes pain and joy to her fans in roughly equal proportions.

This is Bridget's first performance at the Opera House. She is currently a junior at Boylan High School in Rockford where she has appeared as Adelaide in Guys & Dolls and Consuela in West Side Story. Bridget started performing at the age of 5 at Starlight Theater where she has performed in over 20 shows including Once On This Island, Suessical, Children of Eden, and The Hot Mikado. Bridget would like to send thanks to her family, Ms. Sleger, Mr. E., & Kyle.

MICHAEL PALMENDERI .....Linus

Linus Van Pelt inspired the term "security blanket" with his classic pose. He is the intellectual of the gang, and flabbergasts his friends with his philosophical revelations and solutions to problems. He suffers abuse from his big sister, Lucy, and the unwanted attentions of Charlie Brown's little sister, Sally. He is a paradox: despite his age, he can put life into perspective while sucking his thumb. He knows the true meaning of Christmas while continuing to believe in the Great Pumpkin.

This is Michael's second production on the Opera House stage. He was last seen in Footloose as Jeter/Cowboy Bob/Hero. Some of Michael's favorite roles include: Orin Scrivello DDS in Little Shop of Horrors and The Artful Dodger in Oliver! Michael is very excited to be in this production because he's wanted to do this show for a long time. He would just like to thank all the staff and crew for a great time and to all his family and friends he would just like to say thanks for all your support.

DANIEL STALKER .....Schroeder

Schroeder, who idolizes Beethoven, brought classical music to the Peanuts strip. Reserved and usually unruffled, Schroeder reacts only when Woodstock tries to make his grand piano into a playground, or Lucy seeks to make it her courting grounds. The latter can lead to minor violence.

This is Daniel’s second musical on the Woodstock Opera House stage, and he has truly enjoyed working in this production. His previous appearances have included The Sound of Music with TSP, and H.M.S. Pinafore with WMTC. His first musical was Father’s Prayers, in which he played the part of “Arthur.” He is 20, and his hobbies include singing tight harmony, creating airtight arguments, playing the piano, and last but not least, sharing his faith with others. He would like to say “Thank you” to the tremendous cast and staff who have made this production such a memorable experience. Daniel would like to dedicate this show to the members of his family, who have helped him to be harmonious in more ways than one.

The Folks Behind the Scenes

DEB SPITZBART .....Co-Producer

This is Deb's 3rd show as Co-Producer. She previously co-produced I Hate Hamlet and Forever Plaid. She thanks Char for all of her help and looks forward to working with her again, and to the cast and staff for all of their hard work and dedication. Deb is currently one of the House Managers at the Opera House. She lives in Woodstock with her husband, David, and has 2 grown children.

CHAR ULANOWSKI .....Co-Producer

Char has been involved in theater for 30 years starting in Chicago with Footlights. She has been in numerous productions for TSP and WMTC as well as Harvard Players where she also serves as President. A resident of Woodstock, Char is a member of the Queen's Vagabonds Chorus and also the St. Paul Choir in Harvard. The light of her life is her granddaughter, Christina, as well as her sons Steve and his wife Beth, and Marc and his partner Michael. Hats off to the cast, crew and staff. "This has been the most relaxing show I have ever been associated with".

DAVE RUZEVICH .....Artistic Director

KIM SCHARLOW .....Choreographer

Kim is extremely excited to be a part of Charlie Brown. This is the first time Kim has choreographed at the Woodstock Opera House. She can usually be found onstage. Favorite roles include Sancho in Man of La Mancha, Mary Kenny in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Peep-Bo in The Mikado, Mona in Chicago, Shy in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Urleen in Footloose, all at the Woodstock Opera House, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls at the Pecatonica Playhouse. In the past two years, Kim has choreographed the musicals, Working and Little Shop of Horrors, at Richmond-Burton Community High School. Kim’s love of dance came from her mother, who taught dance for many years and has been performing since high school. Kim is delighted to be working with such a talented group of people on this production and can’t wait to see the finished product! She thanks them all for putting their heart into this show and for including her in this journey. Kim is the Zoning Coordinator for the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development and is happily enjoying newly married life with her husband, Rob, whose love and encouragement inspire her everyday.

BETSY STEMPLE .....Music Director

Betsy has loved this musical since playing Lucy in Elgin years ago. Since then she’s worked with other productions of the show, and used many songs and scenes from it in her private lessons. Working with the director, Dave Ruzevich, and the rest of the talented and enjoyable staff is a real treat. She also wants to point out how great it is to have such a hard-working and gifted cast. “You guys make me look good!”

Betsy debuted in this area two years ago at the Woodstock Opera House in Fiddler On the Roof, and then at the Raue Center For the Arts in Sound of Music. Other roles she’s played since then: Ethel McCormack in Footloose WMTC, Mrs. Paroo The Music Man TSP, Marsha Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes, Harvard Players. Other past favorite roles include: Katisha The Mikado, Elgin, Lia L’ Enfant Prodigue Elgin, Mary Magdalene for two years The Last Lamb Elgin, and Essie in You Can’t Take It With You Elgin Betsy has been production staff for many shows over the last twenty years as well: Artistic Director for SWTA Honk! Jr 2004; Co-Production Coordinator for WMTC Noises Off 2004; Assistant Director for The Trial of Goldilocks (with Char Ulanowski as artistic director) for Harvard Players 2003; Artistic Director and Music Director for a variety of Community and Church productions in Elgin and Bartlett IL since 1987.

While working toward her BA in Vocal Music (Performance and Pedagogy,) Theater, and Visual Art from Judson College, she began working in ministry. As a student she performed in many “reach-out teams” which led church services and youth activities. She also traveled with a six-member drama/comedy team and later a band called Servant, which was comprised of six college peers, who wrote much of their own material. In the many years since, she’s performed as a Praise and Worship Leader/Band leader/Consultant/adult and children’s Choir Director for churches in Elgin, Bartlett, and St Charles IL. She’s also been a music and art teacher for grades K-6 while directing school productions and teaching recorder and choir chimes.

Betsy has been a handbell choir director and Master Teacher in Handbell technique, training churches in the Midwest while helping to develop handbell programs in their churches. Performing as a vocalist or directing/playing in handbells has sent Betsy to many places across the country; California, New England, the Midwest and Great Lakes States, as well as twelve foreign countries, including Europe and former communist strongholds like East Berlin and Hungary. She’s sung choral and solo music in Cologne Cathedral and Paris as well as the national anthem at Wrigley Field for the Cubs.

Betsy has taught private classical voice technique, ensemble singing and acting lessons for the last twenty years, first in the St Charles-Elgin areas, and now in her home in Marengo. She specializes in “performance coaching” in which she prepares students/ensembles for auditions and competitions at school and in the community. While working part-time subbing for the Marengo school districts, she also choir directs for St John’s United Church of Christ in Union, and resides in Marengo IL with husband Jim, and their children: Jacob, Kathleen, Abraham, Alexis, and Elijah.

SELETA VARGA .....Stage Manager

Seleta is very happy to be stage manager for Charlie Brown. In fact, this is her 2nd time being with the "gang" (they first met 24 years ago). Seleta has spent lots of time lurking in the shadows of the opera house as props mistress and crew for numerous productions. Occasionally she will emerge into the light of the stage. She was last seen as Irma Kronkite in MCC's production of Picnic and as Charlotte Hay in WMTC's production of Moon Over Buffalo. Two snaps in a circle to the fun and energetic cast & staff for all their hard work. You guys are great! Also, a big thanks to all those who have given their support and inspiration in her endeavors with theater in the past years. . you know who you are !

JIM STEMPLE .....Technical Coordinator/Sound Design/Set Construction Foreman

Jim's experience with theatre began backstage as the Co-Technical Coordinator for WMTC's Feb 2004 production of Noises Off. A Mechanical Engineer by day, Jim's emerging love of the theatre has allowed him to shed his fear of all things "artsy-fartsy" and nurture his artistic side. Since then, Jim has Tech Directed: Little Old Ladies In Tennis Shoes for Harvard Players (in which he also understudied as Bill) and Honk! Jr for Marengo's SWTA, and is presently Technical Coordinator WMTC’s Much Ado About Nothing, which opens this Feb 4, 2005.

Jim plunged further into theatre insanity by auditioning for WMTC’s Footloose in 2004 in which he was cast as the coach. After realizing that being on stage wouldn’t kill him, Jim went on to play the cowboy and three other roles in WMTC’s A Christmas Story. Jim's family supports his newfound love of the theatre since his wife and each of their five children have been involved in many shows.

In his spare time, Jim enjoys researching/working on his kit car (yeah, it’s starting as a Fiero,) bowling, singing in his church choir, game nights with the “guys,” and generally goofing around with his family and friends. Jim lives in Marengo IL with his wife, Betsy, and their children, Jacob, Kathleen, Abe, Alexis, and Elijah.

PAUL BAYER .....Light Designer

KATHY BRUHNKE .....Costume Design

Over the past 30 years, Kathy has held the positions of producer, vocal director, stage manager, costumer, properties coordinator and lighting technician at WOH, along with having appeared in several shows, with roles in Fiddler On The Roof (Chava), Company (Marta) and 42nd Street (Maggie). Since costume design has become a passion, Kathy and assistant, Trudie Dreyer, have developed Kat’s Kloset, a business for custom-made costumes. After Charlie Brown, Kathy and Trudie will be very busy building costumes for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers appearing at WOH in April, 2005. This June, Kathy will be producer and artistic director for Dille’s Follies “Sweet Home Chicago,” a musical revue / fundraiser at the Congregational-Unitarian Church. To satisfy Kathy’s performing bug, she has formed and is singing with a contemporary-retro group, Jeweled Ice, which has appeared at the Walworth County Fair (Elkhorn, WI), Stage Left Café, and several local fundraisers. During the day and to pay the electric bill, Kathy is a legal assistant for a major law firm in Chicago.

CAROLYNE HURLBURT .....Property Master

Carolyne has appeared in several productions at the Opera House and in the surrounding area, usually playing a tough broad of one sort or another--so don’t mess around with the props! She has been on the TSP board of directors for the last three years and heads up the grant writing activities for TSP. This is her second time as property master. The first time was for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, in which she designed a device to administer electroshock therapy (so don’t mess around with the props!).

CRAIG KATTNER .....Light Board Operator

RYAN TIPTON .....Sound Board Operator

GLORIA PEETZ .....Rehearsal Pianist

LOU CZARNY .....Publicity

TRUDIE DREYER .....Costume Assistant

Trudie got into the costuming business when her daughter Kate, at age 14, became the Queen in a Woodstock Children's Summer Theatre production. After that it was a small step and the sewing machine had a permanent place in the kitchen. Trudie has been active with Dillie's Follies, a host of shows at Woodstock High School and now, with Kathy Bruhnke, as costume assistant for TSP and WMTC productions. Each show brings a new challenge. However, her job is made very easy by knowing Kathy, of course, and also Angelo, Judy, Connie, Marie,Carol, Sally, Tish, Peggy, Kelli and a host of talented producers, directors, actors, and technicians. She is employed as a Reference Librarian at the Woodstock Public Library and as a substitute teacher for District 200.