Tasmania's Mainstage Theatre Opens YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Tonight
By: BWW News Desk Oct. 23, 2014
Mainstage Theatre Company announces principal cast for their new production of multi-award winning Broadway musical YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, at Hobart's Peacock Theatre this October.
The story, based on Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip follows Charlie Brown and his friends Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally and Snoopy through a day in their lives.
After delighting audiences around the world for nearly 50 years, it's now Tasmania's turn to be charmed. Whether you are 8 or 80 years old, there is something special, funny and sincere in this infectious musical for everyone.
Expect to leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
Director DON GAY and Musical Director, AMANDA HARPER have assembled the very best singers, dancers and actors in the state to bring this beautiful, bright story to life. The cast were carefully selected and invited to audition. Don said, "They were selected for their uncanny ability to play the stereotyped comic strip characters. The essence of playing this show is to let the inner child do the acting."
Destined for great careers, the bright lights of Broadway and the West End beckon this young group of Tasmanians.
Leading the all-star Tasmanian cast is ANNA KIDD as the crabby, cynical Lucy. Tasmanian theatre goers know her as a driving force and personality behind some of the state's most successful shows such as Les Miserables. Working semiprofessionally since she was ten, Anna holds a Bachelor of Musical Theatre, and won the Conservatorium of Music's Directors Prize. Also known for her leading roles in short films, standup comedy, a feminist radio show, you can hear her voice in Blue Rocket's Buzz Bumble show every Saturday morning at 11am on Go!
ANDREW JOHN will play kind-hearted Charlie Brown who we know and love for his infinite
hope and determination. Playing music since he was ten and performing in musical theatre for just three years, Andrew is best known for his role as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar with the Old Nick Theatre Summer School. This show is different to anything else he has worked on. "My stage career has been primarily focused on singing. This is the first time I've ever had to perform dialogue on stage! It's also a very different experience, portraying the life of a 5/6 year old boy, this has been a real test of my acting ability and I'm loving it!" he said.
BODANE HATTEN plays Schroeder - the piano playing, classical music lover and object of Lucy's unrequited love. What makes this character different to others he has played, is that "Schroeder
requires a lot of thought and understanding. I saw it as a challenge to portray a character that is so different to all the other characters in the show", he said. His dream of an international career performing magic is taking shape. Momentous news last week will see him play at Adelaide Fringe Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015.
JEREMY PYEFINCH brings to life Linus Van Pelt, the blanket holding, thumb sucking best friend of Charlie Brown and little brother of Lucy. "Any theatre aimed at children is always fun and challenging, but this show has a really great adult sense of humour as well which makes it even more fun," Jeremy said. Busy studying for a Bachelor of Music at the Conservatorium of Music (UTAS) in Classical Voice, Jeremy is also in rehearsals for the Music Theatre Crew's upcoming production of Anything Goes.
Lovable Snoopy will be played by CHRISTOPHER FORBES who describes himself as a performing arts jack-of-all-trades. Currently trying to gain as much experience in theatre, film, music and writing as he can, a move to London to chase his dream of a stage career is next for Chris. "It's an honour to be thought of and then cast in a role like Snoopy. I have a lot of affection for the character from the comics and the cartoons. To state the obvious, he represents an interesting challenge for me because he's a dog!" Chris said.
MELANIE BROWN, known for her work in 8 Women and Soulmates, will play Sally, Charlie Brown's sweet younger sister.
With a toe-tapping score, memorable characters and poignant lessons, Hobart audiences young and old will be delighted. Light-hearted and sweet, this show ticks all the boxes.
Performances will play the Peacock Theatre, 77 Salamanca Place, Hobart. Dates and times: Thurs Oct 23, 8.00pm // Fri Oct 24, 8.00pm // Sat Oct 25, 3.00pm // Sat Oct 25, 8.00pm Tues Oct 28, 8.00pm // Wed Oct 29, 8.00pm // Thurs Oct 30, 8.00pm // Fri Oct 31, 8.00pm Sat Nov 1, 8.00pm // Sun Nov 2, 3.00pm. Tickets on sale now at http://bit.ly/charliebrownhobart or from Centertainment.
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