Interview: An Exclusive Q&A with A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS's Veronica Garza

What would Charlie Brown say to a cold Chicago winter? Probably, "good grief!"

This holiday season, the beloved Peanuts gang makes their way to the Windy City in the acclaimed stage production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Veronica Garza, the show's own Lucy van Pelt, chats with Broadway World about the exciting journey of recreating an adored classic.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is returning by popular demand and is, of course, based off the familiar story many of us know. What is one thing audiences can look forward to in the stage version?
The script is exactly the same, so they're getting all of the same jokes! We're taking this cartoon and bringing it to life with real people and real energy. It's very much the same thing but presented in a new way. Reading the script and performing it, as an actor, is such a delight. We had to find the balance between mimicking the original way these characters talk and bringing our own unique nuances to the table.

The characters are so beloved. What is it like taking on a role that's as iconic as Lucy?
As an adult, it's so much fun to play a child. There aren't many opportunities out there for that. It's funny because in one sense, you get to just be yourself and have a blast. As a cast, we were all chosen to be these established characters. I have to trust that when I play Lucy. My mannerisms, movements and voice were chosen to bring this specific personality to the stage.

If you could play one other character for one night, who would you play and why?
Snoopy! He's so different than any other role. He doesn't speak much, but it's such a unique part to play. Just like dogs in real life, he doesn't talk but has a big personality. He's part of the family. We admire Snoopy and he makes us laugh.

You mentioned the same script as the TV special is used. What are some differences between the TV version and the stage production?
The tree scene is a little bit different. We've added some cool choreography. All in all, however, we're really keeping the nostalgia alive.

You've performed at a number of local theaters (Porchlight Music Theatre, The Mercury Theater, etc.), and you're currently in a show at Theatre Wit. How did you break into this industry?
We're so fortunate in this day and age to be able to research audition opportunities online. However, the most important key to breaking into the industry, in my opinion, is to get out of your apartment and meet people. That's what I did. I attended tons of events, networked with people I performed with, put together some songs and a monologue and really dove into auditions. When you make connections, they look out for you.

As for deciding that acting was for me, I did a production of The Wiz in high school. It was a small part, but I got to be funny and found that I love making people laugh in an honest way. It was a feeling I had to pursue.

Since this is an iconic holiday show, do you have any favorite traditions around the holiday season?
A recent tradition in the past couple of years has been getting a real tree! It's really something. Certainly lots of maintenance, but totally worth it. Plus, picking out a tree is such a special and fun experience (unless, of course, you're Charlie Brown).

Last but not least, any new projects on the horizon?
Right now I'm pretty busy. I'm in a musical called Tonya and Nancy the Rock Opera at Theatre Wit. It's so bananas! Very movement based and very unique. When I'm not doing that, I'm rehearsing for Charlie Brown which is the complete opposite type of story. I'm fortunate to be part of two amazingly cool shows. Living the dream.

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Join the Peanuts gang this holiday season! See A Charlie Brown Christmas playing from November 11-January 8 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. Visit www.broadwayinchicago.com or www.emeraldcitytheatre.com for more information.

Photo Credit: Austin Oie

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