Charlie Brown is a “very good” man at The Snug
MARINE CITY, Mich.–Audiences at the Snug Theatre here will witness temper tantrums, blanket withdrawal and miscellaneous mopings and musings during You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, a family musical directed by Dr. Stuart Scott. With book, music and lyrics by Clark M. Gesner, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, and highlights the distinct and humorously entertaining personalities of the kids in the “Peanuts” gang.
While the character Charlie Brown might be the most lovable kid from the comic, this show is really a balanced ensemble of six characters, including Snoopy, his faithful, funny Beagle. Its humor will appeal to all ages, but those who have enjoyed the newspaper comics over the decades will appreciate the format of the show: rather than being one long storyline, as the animated “Charlie Brown” TV specials are, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown features a series of very short vignettes, reminiscent of the four-to eight-panel comics that appear in the newspaper.
We do meet Charlie Brown (Brett Boulier) first, in all his self-doubt and youthful anxiety. Boulier really does have the look of Charlie Brown, and you can immediately picture him as the bumbling kid who could never catch the baseball or successfully kick a football. He agonizes over introducing himself to his elementary school crush, The Little Red-Haired Girl, before finally opting to put a paper bag over his head. While things never really improve for Charlie Brown, he manages to keep a good attitude (sometimes), and gives a rousing pep talk as manager of the baseball team—before losing the game (in a slo-mo replay).
We meet the other characters in rapid succession. Lucy (Janique Sanders) is notably bossy and crabby, except when she is making goo-goo eyes at Schroeder (Alex Striker), the piano prodigy who idolizes Beethoven but has little in the way of social skills. Lucy’s younger brother Linus (Anthony Tringali) is the philosopher of the group, musing about the meaning of life and the literary significance of Peter Rabbit, but going into immediate withdrawal when his security blanket goes into the wash. Sally (Bethany Moses) is Charlie Brown’s little sister, who knows she is adorable in her precious polka-dot dress, but slightly more oblivious to the fact that she is sort of a bubble-head.
Finally, there is the iconic Snoopy (Caleb Kreidler), the beagle who sleeps atop his doghouse instead of inside it. Snoopy somehow balances his sophisticated desires—to be a magazine author, or famous war pilot—with his natural canine instincts—to bite people and howl at the moon. The vignettes are not all of the laugh-out-loud variety (there are some, for sure) but they will have you chuckling and smiling throughout, especially during Act II.
The musical numbers are fun, mostly humorous but sometimes thoughtful. Some memorable numbers are “My Blanket and Me,” during which Linus’ blanket fuels his imagination in a pop-culture medley; “The Book Report,” which features Schroeder giving an ultra-fast paced adventure summary, while Lucy and Sally are word counting, Linus is waxing poetic and Charlie Brown rationalizes his procrastination on the report; “Glee Club Rehearsal,” which gets out of control when bickering overcomes Schroeder’s directing; and “Suppertime,” when Snoopy, performing as Joe Cool, lets his obsession with his food take him from a melodramatic croon to soft shoe, jazz and gospel style, complete with robed backup singers a la The Blues Brothers.
Standouts to watch for: Kreidler, who almost bests the Red Baron in a “dogfight;” Sanders, who is disturbingly crabby, at least until Lucy takes a self-awareness survey; and Moses, whose youthful voice is not only perfect for young Sally, but whose vocal performance is very impressive and nearly flawless. All three make the most of their characters’ quirks with their facial expressions, body acting and comedic timing.
The set and props are not lavish. In fact, they fall at the opposite end of the spectrum, being appropriately “cartoonish,” modeling the comic strip which features plain backgrounds and very little furniture.
Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” characters have stood the test of time, not only because they are funny, but because we can see a bit of ourselves in each one of them. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown takes the best of the comics and brings it to life on stage.