Snoopy barking for crowds

    While families gathered for barbecue, teens played volleyball and little ones hunted for eggs, NW theater students, under the direction of Brent Alford, spent 20 hours in rehearsals over the Easter weekend.
    Snoopy, America's favorite beagle, comes to NW Campus tomorrow. The musical Snoopy!!!, presented by Theatre Northwest, is based on the well-loved characters of the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.
    The musical sequel to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown promises to be a delightful family program.
    Snoopy is satisfied in his life as the quiet genius that he is. Knowing full well that mankind will never know his brilliance, he accepts it and remains content simply to be a World War I flying ace.
    According to the musical, Snoopy "refuses to chase a stick that has not been properly sanded and polished."
    His philosophy remains "in the book of life, the answers are not in the back."
    "I think the production will be very well received," Alford said. "The Peanuts characters have a universal appeal. We have all grown up with the characters and we all have an affection for them, children and adults alike."
    Vanessa Collett plays the lovable canine Snoopy. Stephen Kraft is Linus, Robert Brawner plays Charlie Brown and Kristyn Smith plays Lucy.
    Sarah Cox is cast in the role of Peppermint Patty while Chloe James is Sally Brown and Nadaha McCullough plays Snoopy's sidekick Woodstock.
    Snoopy!!! runs Thursday, April 24, through Sunday, April 27. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Theatre Northwest.
    Reservations may be made at the box office by calling 817-515-7724.
    Tickets are free for TCC students, faculty and staff, $3 for senior citizens and children and $5 for general admission.