INSPIRED IN PART BY FAMILY ENCOUNTER WITH STEVEN SPIELBERG, NEXTQUEST PRODUCTIONS LAUNCHES THEATER COMPANY WITH TONY-AWARD WINNING VERSION OF “YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN”.

Poughkeepsie, New York (April 20, 2013) — When Matt Hagerty’s grandfather had the chance to meet and dialogue with Steven Spielberg’s father years ago, he had no idea that the encounter could potentially define his own grandson’s career.

“My grandfather had the opportunity to hear first-hand about Mr. Spielberg’s investment into his son’s dream, and the story of that encounter ended up inspiring my dad to support my launch of NextQuest”, shared seventeen-year-old Matt Hagerty of Rhinebeck, who, along with three other school-age trustees, founded NextQuest Productions and is now serving as President (along with his role as Snoopy). “The Hudson Valley is a theatrical hotbed of sorts, and we are ecstatic to be joining the scene. Our prices for the pilot production, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’, set for May 24, 25, and 26 at Cunneen-Hackett, are the lowest around. We believe that seeing a professional-quality show should be an experience that everyone should be able to access at an affordable rate”.

Nicole Tarcza, Director and Choreographer, Co-founder and Trustee states, “one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does not know of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. We wanted to reach families and appeal to all ages. The musical touches on a broad range of emotions, from day-to-day frustrations to genuine feelings of happiness in life”.

The team of youth who have organized the production and purchased the rights to the play made a very deliberate philosophical choice when it came to venue. “The main draw of Cunneen-Hackett is its charm. The intimate setting of this historic space is ideal for this show. Charlie Brown is about simplicity; it’s a perfect match, a venue where we can bring Charlie and his friends to life”, said Tarcza.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” showtime and ticket information is as follows:
Friday, May 24th; 7:30pm; Saturday, May 25th, 2pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, May 26th, 3pm at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie, New York. Email tickets@nextquestproductions.org or visit nextquestproductions.org. Ticket prices are $8 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. The production will be directed by Nicole Tarcza and feature Matt Harshberger as Charlie Brown, Niki Metcalf as Sally Brown,Thomas Netter as Linus Van Pelt, Abbey Ressa as Lucy Van Pelt, Thomas Hricisak as Schroeder, and Matt Hagerty as Snoopy.

Media Contact:
Matt Hagerty
NextQuest Productions
c/o Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
845-594-5579
tickets@nextquestproductions.org
http://www.nextquestproductions.org