Peekskill Sophomore Paige Hill and Fellow Cast Members Present 'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown'

Whiz Kid:  Paige Hill

School:  Sophomore at

Accomplishment:  Working as an assistant director, rehearsal stage manager, dance captain and performer in the ensemble cast of the Red Devil Repertory’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Key to Awesomeness: Paige Hill, a 10th-grader, said her favorite part about theater was the thrill from acting on stage. But for Charlie Brown she has also become an integral member backstage—assistant-directing, acting as stage manager and as dance captain.

The musical opens tonight at Peekskill High School.Drama Director Katie Schmidt Feder calls this young cast member a real all-around collaborator in the show.

“I knew Paige had acting chops from our previous productions,” Feder said. “But she approached me for this show to help in other ways backstage. Her assistance has been invaluable and she has offered many ideas of how to put on the show.”  

Hill is responsible for keeping track of props, filling in for absent cast members, as well as helping with stage blocking and placements of set pieces. She also is involved with the choreography and dance rehearsals.

The 15-year old Peekskill resident, who plays The Little Red-Headed Girl in the classic Charles M. Schulz Peanuts-inspired musical, called the show entertaining, funny and uplifting—one that combines the famous comic strip with modern choreography and energy that bring the characters to life.

In addition to the Red Devil Repertory, Hill is student editor-in-chief of the school’s online newspaper, plays varsity volleyball and participates on the sophomore class student committee.

"I’m very busy, but I am passionate about all of the activities I do, and would never be able to give one up," she said.

The rest of the cast includes junior Michael Snell in the lead role of Charlie Brown and senior Stephanie Gil as Lucy van Pelt, Charlie’s friend and sometime nemesis. Linus is portrayed by junior Lucas Sanchez and sophomore Afua Yeboah plays Charlie’s precocious little sister, Sally. Sophomore Sterling Fite plays the musically gifted Schroeder, with sophomore Sheridan Alexander as a singing Snoopy.

Feder, who is directing her fourth production at Peekskill High School, is excited for opening night and credits this “Whiz Kid,” along with the entire cast, for the success of the show.

“Paige’s positive attitude, hard-work ethic and the way she always shows up with a smile—that just means so much,” Feder said.

Show times are Friday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. in the PHS auditorium. Tickets are $5 for children and seniors, $10 for teens and $15 for adults.