BWW Reviews: Happiness Is.....CHARLIE BROWN

Turning on the TV or reading the news can be depressing these days. Sometimes a person wants to leave behind the serious issues of the day and see something that is just nice - and nice is the perfect description of Olney Theater Center's season opener, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is based on the classic Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. The musical brings to life characters that are familiar to most of America - the hapless Charlie Brown and his gang of friends. The show was first mounted in 1967 off-Broadway and then it had a brief run at the Golden Theater in 1971. It was revived on Broadway in 1999 with additional material by Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa. The revival earned Tony Awards for both Kristen Chenoweth and Roger Bart.

Olney is presenting the 1999 version and the show features the beloved characters performing engaging musical numbers and recreating memorable moments. The book, music and lyrics were written by Clark Gesner, who does a good job of highlighting the typical childhood experiences that were shown in the Peanuts strip. Everyone can relate to having to write a book report or the feeling of being left out among your peers. There are also elements in the show that are classic Peanuts such as Linus' relationship with his blue blanket, Snoopy's imaginEd Battle with the Red Baron and Charlie Brown's love for the little red headed girl.

The material added by Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa enhances the show. The addition of "My New Philosophy" as sung by Sally is a real highlight. The song is catchy and amusing and it is wonderfully performed by Jaimie Kelton. Ms. Kelton's Sally is a little spark plug and she provides some terrific moments in the show.

The rest of the cast is just as enjoyable. Zach Colonna as Charlie Brown tugs at your heartstrings and you find yourself rooting for him against Janine Sunday's bratty Lucy. Vishal Vaidya as Lucy's crush, Schroeder, shows off his wonderful voice during "Beethoven Day" and Paul Wyatt displays both innocence and wisdom as Linus. Completing the cast is James Gardiner as Snoopy and he is just plain fun.

The show is directed and choreographed by Stephen Nachamie and he does a fine job of keeping the show moving as well as providing entertaining choreography. He has also added some pop culture references which help to keep the piece feel current. The scenic design by Robert Andrew Kovach looks as if it was lifted off the pages of the funny papers and Seth Gilbert's costumes recreate the look that we have all come to associate with the Peanuts gang.

With a running time of approximately two hours, the show may be a bit long for some little ones. As was demonstrated at the performance I attended, kids under 5-years-old may start to get squirmy after the first act.

The show is just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children. You can't help but smile when watching poor Charlie Brown try to fly a kite. It's just….nice. You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown runs at Olney Theatre Center through March 18th.

Olney Theatre Center is located at 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.

Theater and ticket information may be found at www.olneytheatre.org or by calling 301-924-4485

For group sales, call 301-924-4485 ext. 121

Photo Credit: Weldon Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

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