This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

The HOPE for Tomorrow Is in the Youth of Today

Voices of Hope Youth to raise funds for cancer research through musical performance

Chelmsford Cast Members L to R:  Maddy Meehan as Peppermint Patty and Elisabeth Earley as Lucy Van Pelt
Chelmsford Cast Members L to R: Maddy Meehan as Peppermint Patty and Elisabeth Earley as Lucy Van Pelt (Photo Credit: Rob Coughlan)

Voices of Hope believes that the hope for tomorrow is in the youth of today. Please join the youth of Voices of Hope as they perform the musical YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at the VOH studio (The Nest) at The Everett Mill, 15 Union Street, 5th Floor, Lawrence MA.

Happiness is great musical theatre! With charm, wit, and heart, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes is based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip. Musical numbers include "My New Philosophy," "My Blanket and Me," "The Kite," "Suppertime," "Happiness" and more. Guaranteed to please audiences of all ages!

Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at the Mass General Cancer Center.

Find out what's happening in Chelmsfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Chelmsford residents Maddy Meehan and Elisabeth Earley will be performing in the Voices of Hope youth production as Peppermint Patty and Lucy Van Pelt.

This group of talented young performers are spending their summer in rehearsal, singing and dancing—while understanding that they are making a difference in the fight against cancer. They are looking forward to seeing their hard work help others in need.

Find out what's happening in Chelmsfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is being directed by North Andover resident and Voices of Hope member, Jon DiPrima.
Jon is an 8th grade ELA teacher as well as the drama director at the John W. Wynn Middle School in Tewksbury.

Jon DiPrima: Director of VOH's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

What makes this youth theater different from others?

"Our youth theatre program at Voices of Hope is unique in that it doesn't just offer a chance to be on stage; it gives our kids the opportunity to change the world for the better. Like other programs, we are focused on putting on a show. The purpose of our show, however, is to raise funds to help Voices of Hope fight cancer. As a performer with Voices of Hope, I can vouch for the power of a purpose-driven performance; I'm at my best when I know my contributions on stage are making an impact. "
"As the director of this youth production, I can already see how this group is also fueled by the mission and how it has informed their approach to the rehearsal process. Not one of these kids joined the show because they wanted fame or applause; every one of them is invested in using their talents to do good. A lot of us in the organization are there to make sure future generations can exist in a cancer-free world. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing this next generation is already working alongside us to accomplish that goal."

What does Jon DiPrima hope for the kids to get out of this experience?
"I have a long list of goals for this summer production: As a director, I want the group to learn basic staging concepts. I want them to learn rehearsal protocol. I want them to develop strong character choices. I want them to pick up some acting and vocal techniques. As an educator, I want them to see the value of teamwork. I want them to develop positive practice habits. I want them to learn from making mistakes. I want them to see the value of a growth mindset. I want them to practice responsibility and good decision making. I want them to see a project through to the end. I want them to own their final product with pride."
"As a member of Voices of Hope, I want this group to see how an activity they love doing can make a meaningful difference for others. I want them to enjoy the process even when it feels burdensome. Ultimately, I hope I can give this ensemble what Voices of Hope has given me: an avenue to both enhance and utilize my capabilities in order to do good for the greater community."

There will be 4 performances of the show.

- ***Updated 8/02/19, Friday August 2nd SOLD OUT -

- ***Updated 8/02/19, Saturday August 3rd SOLD OUT -

- ***Updated 8/02/19, Sunday August 4th SOLD OUT -

For ticket info visit voicesofhopeboston.org/upcoming-events/

For more info on Voices of Hope please visit
http://www.voicesofhopeboston.org/

https://www.facebook.com/voicesofhopeboston/

(Cast of "YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN " in rehearsal)

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Chelmsford