Photo by Sue Suchyta

By SUE SUCHYTA
Like many people, director Marc Walentowicz has been a Peanuts fan since he was a kid, which led him to choose “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as the Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre spring musical.

It will be performing the show in the round April 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22 at the Berwyn Center, at 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights.

“When I was trying to think of a show to do, I kept coming back to this one,” Walentowicz said. “A lot of people I know had done it or directed it and they all highly recommended it, so I thought I would give it a shot – and I really, really like it.”

With the audience seated on three sides he feels there is better interaction between the actors and the audience as well as more flexibility of movement for the cast.

Technically, though, it presents other challenges.

“We have to get together and figure out how we’re going to do a kite flying scene in the round in the Berwyn Center,” Walentowicz said with a laugh.

Doing dance numbers with the audience on three sides presents a unique challenge for choreographer Laura Tyler.

“You’re always challenged to keep all the audience involved all the time,” Tyler said.

She said she’s explained to the cast that the choreography is not technically difficult for the show, but the challenge lies in them making the dance reflect their characters.

“It’s not “42nd Street,” it’s not “West Side Story,” but the actors have to take the choreography and make it come alive,” Tyler said. “Make it Charlie Brown, make it Lucy, make it Linus. So technically it’s not really that difficult; it’s getting them to take it and make it their own and bring the characters out.”

Emily Gedert said that being an older sister has prepared her to bring the part of Lucy to life.

“I kind of grew up as Lucy as soon as my little brother Greg was born,” Gedert said. “I kind of took on the role of protective older sister, tried to show him the ropes but at the same time I had to teach him that I was in charge; whether that was a good thing or a bad thing you’d have to ask him.”

She said she’s trying to play Lucy sophisticated and charming, but with a strong stage presence.

As she grew up, her mother introduced her to the Charlie Brown television specials, and she played the part of Lucy for drama teacher Greg Viscomi while a student at Dearborn High School. She said her life experiences since then will allow her to more fully develop her character.

James Mayne, who plays Linus, said that even though he’s the oldest of three siblings, he’s always been a little kid at heart. His younger sister, Sara, has been cast as Charlie Brown’s sister, Sally, also a younger sister, in the production.

Like Linus’ blanket, Mayne said he had a special comfort object growing up: Pippo, a sock monkey which his mother made by hand. Pippo is still around, and Mayne said Pippo took on the role of an unofficial good luck prop in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “On Golden Pond” at the Players Guild of Dearborn.

This is the largest role Mayne has played to date, and he said he’s a bit nervous.

“Once I found out I got the part I was really excited,” Mayne said. “But then I did have a couple brief minutes there of ‘Oh my God what did I just do?’ as I started flipping through (and) looking at the number of lines as I started highlighting and highlighting and highlighting.”

He’s also excited to be stepping outside his comfort zone and trying a show outside of the Players Guild, where he has worked exclusively to date.

Sara Mayne also is excited to be able to play a role in a new venue.

She played the part of Sally at Redford Union High School in “Snoopy – the Musical,” which she said was different from “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” because she didn’t have any solos in that production.

While she successfully played a child in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the Players Guild of Dearborn last year, she said she doesn’t see herself becoming typecast.

“I don’t like to fall into too many parts of the same type, but it is fun to act like a little kid, so that never really gets old,” she said. “You don’t get to do that every day.”

Ron Williams, who had to shave his beard to impersonate a woman in the comedy “’Til Beth Do Us Part,” which closed Jan. 29 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, is now contemplating whether to shave his head, which currently sports a crew cut, for the part of Charlie Brown.

He said he’s still a kid at heart, and sometimes feels like a 6-year-old trapped in a 30-year-old man’s body.

He also believes that Charlie Brown’s gullibility allows him to keep trying to kick the football that Lucy inevitably yanks out from under him.

“I think Charlie Brown really wants to think that everybody’s great, and they’re not,” Williams said. “It’s kind of sad actually.”

Brian Welch is reprising the role of Snoopy, having played the character two years ago with a community theater in Grosse Pointe. He said he finds the part of Snoopy to be fun and quirky.

“He gets to do these ‘out-of-the-box’ type things,” Welch said. “You get to represent a dog … when I did it before I tried to put dog-like actions to actually being human.”

He added that he finds it fun trying to create the character of an animal when you’re a person.

Producer Jerry Kondraciuk said the biggest challenge he faces as the show’s producer is not technical – it’s getting people to come see their shows.

“It’s more of a challenge nowadays, with the economy the way it is, to get people to want to come out and see a show,” Kondraciuk said. “This time we’re hoping the comic aspects of the show will harken back to people’s childhood and they’ll decide that they want to come and have a good time.

“There’s a lot of singing, a lot of dancing. We’ve got a great cast, so we’re hoping this will be the show to finally get our group out of the funk that we’ve been in.”

Others in the cast include Corey Chambliss as Schroeder, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, Chris Fraser as Shermy, Dustin Hanson as Roy, Clara Albright as Peppermint Patty, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie and Allison Shenk as Violet.

For more information go to the DHCT Facebook page or go to www.dhctstage.org.

HEIGHTS TO HOLD ROMANTIC REVUE
The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre will present a “Romantical Musical Revue” at 8 p.m. Feb. 17 and 18 at the Berwyn Center featuring both silly and serious musical valentines.

Tickets are $10, with cabaret seating for groups of four or eight people.

Dearborn High School students and alumni scheduled to perform include Camille Charara, Mary Charara, Jordan DiGregorio, Dylan Frabutt, Kira Frabutt, Juliet Higgins, Vicki Johnson, Westley Montgomery, Kate Pollidori and Tim Smith.

Also performing are Phillip Booth and Michael Falzon of Dearborn, Shauna Hazime and Cayla Kolbusz of Dearborn Heights, Leah Page Cooley of Allen Park and Annette Ripper of Northville.

DHCT also plans to bring the Hartland Players in to do “Escanaba,” the prequel to “Escanaba in the Moonlight” at 8 p.m. March 9 and 10 as a fundraiser. The admission cost is a $10 donation to the DHCT general fund.

DEARBORN ACTRESS AT ABREACT IN ‘BURN THE RED BANNER’
Dearborn actress Kirsten Knisely will perform in the Abreact Performance Space’s premiere presentation of “Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun,” a collection of short plays by Shelby Township playwright Franco Vitella.

The show, which opened Feb. 3 and runs weekends through Feb. 26, is described as a “riff on the Russian comedy aesthetic in a delightfully absurd and hilarious manner.”

Frannie Shepherd-Bates directs the show, which, in addition to Knisely, features Steve Xander Carson of Detroit, Jonathon Davidson of Ferndale and Keith Kalinowski of Ann Arbor.

The performances take place at 1301 W. Lafayette Ave., in Detroit.

For tickets, call 313-285-0217 or 313-454-1542, or send an email message to reservations@theabreact.com.

For more information about the production, call 313-378-5404 or go to www.theabreact.com.

Pee Wee Herman

By Tony Rizzo
HOLLYWOOD — Director Barry Levinson has had untold problems with “Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father,” starring John Travolta. Lindsay Lohan, mentioned to play mobster John Gotti’s wife, Victoria, was passed over in favor of Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, because of scheduling conflicts due to Lindsay’s court problems. In October, financial issues almost postponed a January start, but the needed money was raised in time. Lohan also was dropped from the Linda Lovelace biopic and is now, supposedly, “in talks” to star as Elizabeth Taylor in Lifetime’s “Elizabeth and Richard: A Love Story.” Lindsay Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor? That’s like casting Pee Wee Herman as Richard Burton!
* * *
Hugh Jackman, fresh from his hit one-man Broadway show, starts shooting “Les Miz” — as in “Les Miserables” — in March with a dream cast beyond belief. In addition to Jackman, they’ve got Oscar-winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift, Amanda Seyfried (“Mama Mia”), Eddie Redmayne (“My Week With Marilyn”), Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen (“Hugo”). Add director Tom Hopper (“The King’s Speech”), and you’ve got a powerhouse cast with something for everyone! Jackman also is Broadway-bound with the musical “Houdini,” about the great escape artist. The play was written by Aaron Sorkin (“The Social Network” and “The West Wing”), with a musical score by “Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz.
* * *
“Hugo” stars Asa Butterfield and Ben Kingsley are being reteamed in “Ender’s Game.” The 14-year-old Asa plays an unusually gifted child who is sent to a military school in space to prepare for a coming alien invasion. His co-stars are Oscar nominee Harrison Ford, plus Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) and Hailee Steinfeld (“True Grit”), who were both Oscar nominated for their films. It’s set for release in March 2013.
* * *
Three films made the billion-dollar club. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ was the top-grossing film of 2011 worldwide, at $1.33 billion. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” was second with $1.12 billion, with “The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” third at $1.04 billion. What does it say about moviegoers when 13 of the top 20 films are fantasy or animated? The list also includes: “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part l” (No. 4), “Kung Fu Panda 2″ (No. 5), “The Smurfs” (No. 8), “Cars 2″ (No. 9), “Rio” (No. 11), “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (No. 12), “Puss in Boots” (No. 13), “Thor” (No. 14), “Captain America” No. 16), “X-Men: First Class” (No. 17) and “The Adventures of Tintin” (No. 18). Based on this, maybe the Republicans should consider running Jessica Rabbit or Miss Piggy against President Obama!

Send letters to Tony Rizzo’s Hollywood, 8306 Wilshire Blvd., No. 362, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers
1. Jacksonville, Fla.
2. Nanotechnology
3. Miller
4. The Carter Family
5. Itching
6. Sochi, Russia
7. Frank Lloyd Wright
8. “Less” and “least”
9. Wilson
10. Brasilia

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Dana Block
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Now that the truth came out about Steffy’s condition, Liam had to decide whether he still wanted to be married to her. Katie stunned Liam with her change of heart regarding Steffy. Hope agreed to keep the details of Bill’s machinations secret from their families and the media. Amber rejoined forces with Forrester Creations, reigniting a bitter rivalry between Rick and Ridge. Taylor and Brooke argued over which of their daughters they thought Liam would choose. Ridge painfully admitted to Taylor that he felt responsible for Steffy’s insecurities with men. Wait to See: Wedding plans are in the making for a newly reunited couple. Rick resolves to make up for lost time with his family.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Stefano tempted Bo and Hope by revealing that he knew what was inside Alice’s envelope. Madison reconsidered her attack on Kate. Abigail felt no shame when she pitted Austin against Carrie. Fear caused Will to reach out to Sonny and for Carrie to turn to Rafe, while Madison tried to muster up the courage to tell Brady about her past. Abigail’s new career plans didn’t sit too well with Jennifer. Sami was stunned when Madison called off their plot against Kate. Hope and Nicole got closer to uncovering their respective secrets. Wait to See: Abigail tricks Austin into thinking that they slept together. Hope and John must travel together to change their history.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Lulu and Luke talked about their family history of alcoholism. Maxie enlisted Spinelli’s help in trying to make Matt jealous. Ethan and Cassandra gave in to their passion for one another. Alexis began having strange symptoms, which turned out to be the onset of menopause. Someone was following Kate on her business trip. Olivia wanted to know the truth about Steve and Maggie’s past in Memphis. Molly figured out that TJ wasn’t able to read. Michael displayed an astute business acumen while working for the Quartermaines. Lulu contemplated taking a job at the police department. Wait to See: Olivia is shocked when she meets her new boss at MetroCourt. Robin and Patrick visit a special place.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Patty threw a damaging substance in Adam’s face after he confronted her about her plans to ruin Jack’s wedding. Genevieve wrote Jack a letter about her new ownership of the company and her decision to leave town — and jilt him at the altar. Patty intercepted Genevieve’s letter before Jack could read it and donned the bride’s veil. A shocked Jack lifted the veil to find Patty holding a gun. Unaware of what was going on, Ricky introduced himself to his uncle, Father Todd, outside the church. Genevieve tried to explain to Cane why she betrayed Jack, but he wasn’t buying it and told her that he no longer considered her his mother. Wait to See: Ronan says goodbye to Genoa City. Anita, Chelsea’s manipulative mother, comes to town and makes trouble for Billy and Victoria.

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Photo by Evelyn Cairns

By Evelyn Cairns
Steve March Torme, the son of the legendary jazz crooner Mel Torme, will present a Valentine Day-themed concert featuring his late father’s favorite songs at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center on the Wayne County Community College District Downriver campus in Taylor.

The concert, “Torme Sings Torme,” is sponsored by the WCCCD’s University Center. The singer, who will be accompanied by his jazz trio, has been a com-poser and performer since his first composition was sung by Desi Arnaz Jr. on a “Here’s Lucy” television-show episode.

He performs with big bands and symphony orchestras, as well as his trio, and records for a number of independent labels. His award-winning releases include “Torme Sings Torme” and “Inside/Out.”

“Steve Torme’s performances have such a warmth, with arrangements that are fun, engaging and are sure to spark a memory or two,” WCCCD Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery said. “We’re delighted that he’ll be on our stage … to help our audience create wonderful new Valentine’s Day memories.”

Mel Torme, who was known as “The Velvet Fog,” performed at clubs and concert halls from the 1940s to the 1990s. He died in June 1999.

Tickets, $35, are available by calling 734-374-3200. The college is at 21000 Northline Road.

BASF donates to L&LS
A check for $1,500 recently was presented to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Michigan on behalf of the BASF Wyandotte site by James W. Taylor, principal scientist, polymer colloids research, and Greg Pflum, vice president and general manager of the site.

The donation was accepted by Norb Promo, deputy executive director of the society, who said that the contribution will be used for live-saving blood-cancer research and to provide support services and information about the disease.

“All of the money raised in Michigan stays in the state,” he said.

Taylor, who received his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, has waged his own personal battle with leukemia.

“It’s exciting to support the important and inspiring work of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, he said. “The positive results of the society’s work are clearly close to my heart.

“People who go thorough these life-changing experiences have important stories to tell, and we won’t be finished until we find a cure for this disease.”

Save the date . . .
Feb. 7 — Downriver Arts & Crafts Guild meeting featuring portrait artist Robert Maniscalco; 6:30 p.m. at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 Dix-Toledo; open to the public at no charge; for addi-tional information, call Maureen Cassidy Keast at 734-777-6109 or email down-riveartscrafsguild@yahoo.com.

Feb. 8 — Illustrated lecture, “The Art & Life of John Singleton Copley”; 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut; Copley painted the heroes and villains of the American Revolution before becoming an expatriate and fleeing to England; $15 charge ($10 for DCA members); for more information or reservations, call 734-720-0671 or go to www.downriverarts.org.

Feb. 10 — Junior finals of the Southern Great Lakes Symphony’s Downriver Idol contest; 7:30 p.m. at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium, 28100 Aspen Drive; tickets, $5 ($10 for preferred seating); for more information, go to www.sgls.org.

Feb. 11 — Euchre tournament, “What a Card!” fundraiser for lighting at the Downriver Council for the Arts art gallery in the Wyandotte Arts Center; $20 entry fee; tourney prizes are $100, first place; $50, sec-ond; and $25, third; for more information, call 734-720-0671 or go to www.downriverarts.org.

By Cindy Elavsky
Q: I got completely hooked on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” and I can’t wait until it returns for its second season. Would you know when that might be? — Brad F., via e-mail

A: Well, Brad, I just happen to have that little nugget of info — and I am willing to share. The next season of the medieval-fantasy series begins (no fooling) April 1 at 9 p.m., and like the first season, the second season will be 10 episodes long. And Lena Headey (who plays Ceresei) tells us that season two will bring even more drama (Is that possible?). The show also stars Peter Dinklage as Tyrion, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys, Nikolai Coster-Waldau as Jaime, Kit Harington as Jon and Michelle Fairley as Catelyn.
* * *
Q: I’m confused: First I heard Marg Helgenberger is leaving “CSI” for good, then I heard she’s not, and now I hear she is again. Can you clear this up for me? — Constance D., Newport, Conn.

A: I’ll try. Marg, who left the top-rated CBS crime drama at the end of January, is pretty much gone — as a regular castmember. However, her character’s future has been left open so Marg can return for a guest appearance, if she wishes. Marg assures her fans that they haven’t seen the last of Catherine Willows: “That was one of the reasons why it was a little easier for me to leave the show, because the producers said to me practically every day that the door is wide open. If I’m available and I’m up for it, you betcha.”
* * *
Q: I remember seeing pictures of Julianne Moore in some entertainment magazines dressed up as Sarah Palin. Was that for a movie? If so, when will it be out? I’d love to see it. — Margaret W., via e-mail

A: Julianne does indeed star as the 2008 vice-presidential hopeful in the HBO movie “Game Change,” which is based on the 2010 book of the same name. The movie premieres on Saturday, March 10, and also stars Ed Harris as Sen. John McCain and Woody Harrelson as campaign chair Steve Schmidt, along with Peter MacNicol, Sarah Paulson and Ron Livingston. The movie will mainly track the actions of the Republican Party during the 2008 elections, while the book devotes equal time to both Republicans and Democrats.
* * *
Q: I am dying to find out who killed Rosie Larson! When will “The Killing” return? — Darla A., Portland, Ore.

A: Hang in there just a few more months, Darla! Sunday, April 1 marks the return of the suspense drama to AMC with a two-hour premiere starting at 8/7c. The following week, the series returns to its normal timeslot of 9/8c. If you need to catch up or want to refresh your memory, you can see the entire 13-episode first season On Demand starting Monday, March 5.

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at letters@cindyelavsky.com.

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

PICKS OF THE WEEK
“Anonymous” (PG-13) — This Roland Emmerich (director of “2012″) period drama offers a scandalous version of literary history — that William Shakespeare was not the author of the plays and poems attributed to him. The movie weaves historical facts into its dramatic framework to make the case that the Earl of Oxford was the brilliant author and Shakespeare a dim-witted actor all too happy to take credit. Running almost completely parallel to this intrigue is a whole wagon-load of melodramatic plot lines about royal succession, courtly love and tawdry affairs.

Keep in mind that this is a drama, not a documentary, not even a docu-drama. It’s too easy to poke holes in the theories posited by the film, so it’s best to just enjoy this one as a fantastical period piece chock-full of Elizabethan trashy romance and big-budget visuals.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I” (PG-13) — There’s not a whole lot to say about this here moving picture — fans will see it, and everyone else will loathe it. Yup, this is the one where the vampire, Edward (Robert Pattinson), marries the teen girl, Bella (Kristen Stewart), presumably to break the curse that keeps the poor girl from expressing anything approximating human emotion. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work, and Stewart’s face stays emotively neutral throughout the film.

There’s a PG-13 sex scene during the stony-faced couple’s honeymoon. However, the really gross stuff comes afterward, when the half-vampire baby goes all “Alien” and starts killing the young mother from the inside. As easy as it is to dog this movie for its flaws, an open mind and sense of humor will get you through if you’re ever forced to watch it.

“Fireflies in the Garden” (R) — This dysfunctional family drama may have pulled in a nice cast, but achieves only moderate success in bringing the story to life. Willem Dafoe plays Charles, an overbearing father who leaves a few psychological bruises on his son, Michael (Ryan Reynolds as an adult.) Julia Roberts plays Lisa, Michael’s lovely mother who is there to pick up the pieces. The parents are killed in a car accident before the family can reconcile, leaving behind a tangled web of guilt and resentment. It’s hard to say just what’s missing, but this story is more mopey than thoughtful, more cliched than tender.

“A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas” (R) — The cannabis-loving duo reunites for another ill-fated adventure to rectify a mix-up involving drugs and the perfect Christmas tree. Once again, the humor is raunchy, raucous and seemingly random. Some sequences are laugh-out-loud funny; the remainder are best left unmentioned in polite company. Thanks to the Christmas spirit, the irreverent saga gets some warmth, showing that the duo is not too lowbrow to love.

TV RELEASES
“Downton Abbey: Season 2″ (Original U.K. Unedited Edition)
“Father Dowling Mysteries: The First Season”
“Rocko’s Modern Life: Season Two”
“Police Woman: Complete Second Season”
“New Tricks: Series 6″

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An apparently friendly offer comes with some strings attached. Be careful not to get tied into something you don’t really want. Thoroughly examine all your options before making a choice.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) If you’re not careful, distractions can interrupt your best efforts. Continue to focus on what you need to do. You’ll soon have lots of time to enjoy the rewards of your dedication.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Knowledge replaces suspicion as you begin to learn more about that “act of betrayal.” On a lighter note, someone close to you might be planning a pleasant surprise.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Control your sometimes-overactive jealousy gene before you find yourself saying or doing something that you could later regret. Best advice: Stop obsessing and move on.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time to loosen up and do something wonderful and exciting before your more reserved nature resurfaces. A message brings news of imminent change.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Cheer up. Things begin to improve significantly by mid-February. However, you might still need help to get through the rest of this sometimes-difficult period.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Something you learned last week takes on new meaning as you begin to relate it to another situation in your life. It’s best to keep this matter to yourself for now.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your energy level is climbing, and so is your self-confidence. Good for you, because you’ll need a good dollop of both to tackle an exciting challenge on the way.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A family issue might interrupt a career-linked project. Try to give the matter the attention it needs, but be careful not to jeopardize your workplace situation.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some self-doubt shows up this week, causing you to question your ability to handle a new challenge. But you know you can do it, and this is your chance to prove it.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A personal matter requires you to be as clear and forthcoming as possible in order to avoid misunderstandings. A career move is eased with the emergence of new facts.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of reaching people that makes them feel good about themselves. You would be an excellent motivational speaker.

© 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.