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Peanuts finding meaning everyday (JCC CenterStage)

Nov 9

2 min read

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49

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You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Based on the Peanuts Comic Strip by Charles Schultz

Book by John Gordon Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner Directed by Jason Cooper A review by Brian Kennedy

Entire contents are copyright © 2024 Brian Kennedy. All rights reserved.


With all the chaos going on in the world right now, sometimes it’s just nice to go where things are simpler and easier to figure out. Thankfully, Centerstage has a place with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.


The Jason Cooper-directed You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, focuses on the classic Peanuts characters Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, the namesake Charlie Brown, and, of course, Snoopy. They write book reports, they fly kites, they swoon over seemingly unattainable significant others. No situation gets solved, but that’s not really the point. It’s more about the Peanuts gang trying to find meaning in their everyday lives.


Before the show even begins, audience members are already immersed in the world of Peanuts. Set designers Cooper and Clay Chapman included many of the hallmarks of the comic strips and TV specials on stage. There’s Snoopy’s red doghouse, the brick wall many of the Peanuts characters lean on, Schroeder’s small black piano, and Lucy’s yellow “Psychiatric Help 5¢” table. They are all scattered about on a stage painted to look like green grass. Meanwhile, over the PA, jazz piano instrumentals, old soul songs, and music from the Peanuts specials are heard. 


The cast is clearly older than six, but they play their parts effectively, never deliberately trying to replicate or imitate the famous characters. Instead, they make these roles stand out in their own right. Of particular note was Linus (Seth Brewer), who was hilarious dancing and singing with his blanket during My Blanket and Me. The rest of the cast coming in with their own blankets and dancing added to the hilarity. 


Then, there’s Snoopy (Alex Hunt) who, based on audience reaction, was the overall favorite of the Peanuts gang. His dance and build into a Broadway-style review over something as simple as getting supper, during the appropriately named Suppertime, was incredibly wonderful to see. All the more awesome after Charlie Brown (Alex Roby) warned him not to turn it into exactly that. Extra kudos to Frank Goodloe, who choreographed all of the fun dances in the show. 


By the way, how was Charlie Brown? Very, very good. Whether he’s pining for the red haired girl, looking up at the stars to find happiness, or listing his mental situations, there’s a strong level of care that Roby brings to the character. That led to a strong, affectionate response often from the audience.


There’s no Peppermint Patty here, and no one attempting to punt a football, but in this show, it doesn’t matter. With many of the classic features from the Peanuts strip and great performances from the cast, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, will have audiences and fans of the Charles Schultz strip leaving with authentic smiles and good thoughts.


You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown CenterStage at the Trager Family JCC November 9, 10, 14, 16 & 17, 2024 3600 Dutchmans Ln  Louisville, KY 40205

jcclouisville.org/centerstage/

Nov 9

2 min read

0

49

0

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