Warwick Middle School 8th-grader Jacob Lingenfelter is a confident, articulate, and energetic young man. He certainly hasn’t been typecast into portraying the sullen lead character in the Warwick Middle School Drama Club presentation of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Jacob’s acting skills will shine onstage tonight and tomorrow as he portrays the bumbling brother of Sally, friend of Linus, and foil to the ever-sarcastic Lucy.  Even man’s best friend, Snoopy, seems disrespectful. Good grief.

“This would be the second thing I’ve done in drama,” said Lingenfelter in an interview Wednesday night. “I did Sound of Music last year.”

While his debut performance in the Von Trapp family musical was fun, Jacob enjoys the interaction between the characters and the physical action on stage more than that of his previous play. As for learning all of the lines required of a lead?

“I struggled a little bit near the beginning, but now I have it pretty much dialed in,” said Lingenfelter, who reported delivering the lines right along with his character as he watched the familiar family classic on TV this year.

Fans of the animated special are sure to like the play, and according to Lingenfelter, there’s something special about the Warwick production.

“It’s the first time it’s been legally done, since the rights were just released,” said Lingenfelter. “Our wonderful drama directors were able to secure the rights.”

Linus will explain the true meaning of Christmas in Lititz when the Warwick Middle School Drama Club presents, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Friday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Warwick Middle School Auditorium.

Charles Schultz’s classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation where Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the other Peanuts characters grapple with the real meaning of Christmas and discover what the season is all about.

This show is a perfect holiday treat for the whole family. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased starting one half hour prior to show times on the performance dates.

Cast and Stage Crew members include: Jacob Lingenfelter, Ryan Dohner, Akash Banerjee, Alaina Fry, Eden Wickenheiser, Alex Swan, Michelle Gibble, Lauren Epps, Elise White, Sierra Wilcox, Ally Wetherhold, Zac Snyder, Ava Vulopas, Maria Poliski, Grace Longenderfer, McKenna Griffiths, Mahayla Meyer, Janson Martin, Braden Buckwalter, Joshua Sipe, Raven English, Johanna Martin, Alexandra Harmes, Paige Egner, Tayler Leonard, Julia Eshelman and Emma Morgan.