THEATER: You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Each of us can identify with one of the Peanuts gang: crabby Lucy, her brother Linus with his blanket, musical Schroeder, loyal Snoopy, youthfully optimistic Sally, and clumsy Charlie Brown himself. For 62 years we have watched them face the joys and hurts of growing up and understood them because we have been there ourselves. The whole gang is presently at MillbrookPlayhouse, much to everyone’s delight. 

Director Snechal Desai and chorographer Edward Carignan have beautifully captured the spirit of the original comic strip in their production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. With help from costume designer Kimberly Jones and scenic designer Daniel Thobias, we are transported to the playground to watch a baseball game, a kite that just might fly, a glee club rehearsal, and a famous beagle chase some rabbits.

The best thing about this show though is the casting. (Have I mentioned what a talented group is hanging out at Millbrook this summer?) Mathieu Whitman plays Charlie Brown and there were moments when I wanted to walk on stage and give him a hug. We all celebrate his few, small victories. After the show, Lora Nicolas assured me that she really was not actually as crabby in person as Lucy. She was definitely convincing on stage.

The part of Linus gave us a chance to see another side of Cameron Perry. He is proving this season that as an actor he can do it all, and do it well. Brandon Hanks may have been slightly miscast as Schroeder. He has the talent to sing and dance, but he came across as too mature to be on the playground with the little kids. Maybe we are too accustomed to seeing him in more sophisticated roles.

Josh Houghton brought a touch of Ray Bolger to the part of Snoopy. Josh has the long legs and the ability to move his body into what seems to be impossible positions. The actress lucky enough to be cast as Charlie Brown’s sister Sally has the opportunity to steal the show and Chandler Reeves took advantage to do just that. She was all of the joys and innocence of a little girl rolled into one person, a little girl who just happens to have a great singing voice.

This is a show that will take you back to your childhood in a painless way. We remember some of the heart aches, but the Peanuts gang gives us lots to laugh about also.

I would like to add a line to the closing song “Happiness is …”. Happiness is knowing that Chandler Reeves, Cameron Perry, and Josh Houghton will be appearing later this season in The Fantastics.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will be on the Main Stage until July 22.  I’ll Be Back Before Midnight opens July 19^th in the Cabaret.  This is a show that is completely unknown to me, so I am looking forward to a new experience. You can call 570-748-8083 for tickets for either production.