By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

Dennis Klasmeier, director of Deer Park High School's student musical, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, works with the performers Thursday at dress rehearsal. The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

DEER PARK - Dennis Klasmeier directed his first musical here 33 years ago in the auditorium of his alma mater.

Today, the 1966 Deer Park High School graduate is making his directing comeback with You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown after spending the last 21 years as an administrator at Sycamore High School.

It marks a rebirth of musicals at Deer Park. For the last several years, the high school has offered only dramatic productions. Many say it is a welcome change.

"This is my first show,'' said senior Kevin Stone, who is playing Charlie Brown. "We have good actors here, and we have good singers here who are also actors. But they don't get to shine because we don't have musicals.''

For Klasmeier, 56, it is a chance to return to his passion of musical theatrical productions. Before becoming an administrator, Klasmeier was a drama and speech teacher and directed plays and musicals at several high schools, including Sycamore, Deer Park and Madeira. Once he became an administrator in 1982, his duties left little time for high school theater.

Now retired, Klasmeier jumped at the opportunity to rejuvenate theater at the school. He is also working as a substitute teacher so that he can get to know the students.

"They're looking to build a drama department here,'' said Klasmeier. "I like kids and I think it's really important for schools to have theater. Schools that are strong in the arts are strong educationally."

Principal Michelle Walker-Glen agrees.

"I'm very excited to be able to offer our students this opportunity,'' said Walker-Glen, who has choreographed numbers for the school's Dancing Wildcattes.

"The more kids are involved, the more likely they are to be successful in academics. We've gone through some transitions. I never dreamed we'd be able to get someone with the expertise Dennis has.''

Tonight's musical will supplement the school's annual Parkers Variety Show, a 50-plus year Deer Park tradition. It is where Klasmeier made his theatrical debut.

If you go

What: You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

When: 7:30 p.m. today, 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Crawford Auditorium at Deer Park High School, 8351 Plainfield Road.

Tickets: $5.

Reservations: 708-4853.