Fans of Snoopy or 1980s rock are in for a treat this weekend.
Through Westmoreland Performing Arts, high school- and middle school-aged students will perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Rock of Ages” at Westmoreland County Community College.
The antics and adventures of “Peanuts” comic book characters will be on full display during “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which will be presented by tween-aged students.
High school-aged kids will stage “Rock of Ages,” which tells the story of a small-town girl with dreams of becoming a rock star. The musical features popular rock songs from the 1980s.
During the past three weeks, the students have been rehearsing the musicals through WPA’s summer camp. More than 60 students are involved in the July camp.
“Summer camp is fun, but, at the same time, these kids are all very serious about their art and craft,” said WPA co-executive director Renata Marino. “It’s so exciting.”
Anyone who enjoys ’80s music should see the performance, according to Marino’s daughter, Giavanna, who plays the lead role of Sherrie in “Rock of Ages.”
“Theater is back and better than ever,” said Giavanna Marino, who graduated from Hempfield Area Senior High School this year. “It’s the perfect time to see an ‘80s rock musical.”
Laura Stanish — who acts as Lonny, the narrator of “Rock of Ages” — looks forward to performing the show for its humor.
“As a group, we all understand the humor and timing of everything for the bits,” said Stanish, a rising junior at Connellsville Area High School. “We all feel like a big family at WPA, and that really translates to the stage.”
WPA will put on three performances of each show from July 22-24 in WCCC’s Science Hall Theatre. The shows are triple-cast, meaning each performance will feature different actors.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Adult tickets are $15 and student tickets are $10. Show times are available online.
WPA also will offer a package deal for tickets.
