April 14, 2023 by Brigid O'Leary
FREDERICKSBURG, VA—With the show opening tomorrow, just over half of the 1000 total available tickets have been sold for STEPVA’s spring musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The ticket sales are on par with ticket sales from last year’s show, Disney’s “The Lion King, Kids!” which sold out a smaller venue.
STEPVA is a local 501(c)3 non-profit that is designed to “empower people with disabilities through creative expression and sensory exploration.” This is the third consecutive year the organization has staged a spring musical, and the second time that the cast—more than 30 strong this year—has worked to master the content of a licensed musical. As in years past, STEP VA is making necessary adaptations for the performers, each of whom have a disability, but only as those needs arise.
Riding the success of last year’s show, more participants wanted to be part of the show this year. Some cast and crew members now have three years of experience under their belt and STEP VA’s executive director Jan Monroe has seen first hand the change in dynamics as this year’s spring musical takes shape.
“This expanded cast numbers has provided an opportunity for cast members to take on mentoring and leadership roles. Many seasoned cast members have been observed assisting newer ones that may be somewhat unsure,” she explained.
Not only is the show in a larger auditorium, but the run time is the longest yet for a STEP VA production, clocking in at nearly a full two hours, which gives plenty of time for the more experienced participants to help the newest friends acclimate to the experience.
STEPVA will perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m., both at Courtland High School, 6701 Smith Station Rd , Spotsylvania, VA 22553 Tickets are $15; children 5 and younger are free.