YORK, Pa. — Two casts, one made of adults and the other of children, bring to life the television icon that is "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on the stage in York.
"Christmas is a busy time, and it can get stressful. It's nice to see just a fun show around the holidays," said Ryeland Swartz, the child actor portraying Charlie Brown.
Wise words from the youngster starring in his biggest role to date. Learning more lines than ever, Swartz says he is enjoying his shine on the stage more than ever.
As for learning all of those lines?
"Lots of practice," Swartz said.
It's a long-awaited play for cast members of the adult version as well.
Jaime Elizabeth, portraying Lucy, said the holidays aren't usually her favorite time of the year. However, the show inspired her to put her Christmas trees back up in her home as she explores one of her favorite characters.
"Everybody thinks she's just the bossy girl, but bullies bully for the reason," Elizabeth said. "She has real feelings beneath that bullying that I get to show on the stage."
For actors both young and old, Charlie Brown still provides a lesson about Christmas all of these decades later from its original showing.
"He sees more of how Christmas is instead of the movie version of it," Swartz said. "And he sees all sides of Christmas. He can see how he likes it and he can see how it's stressful at times."
You can visit Charlie Brown and his friends in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York through December 17,
There will be numerous pieces of art available as well from local artists, as well as local vendors with various items for sale just outside the theatre space.
For more information, visit DreamWrights' website.