Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Good Grief! It’s Charlie Brown

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Charlie Brown. His trials and tribulations are universal. Charles Schultz’ round-headed hero has been a permanent part of the American culture for more than fifty years. It’s no surprise then that Whitewater High School has chosen the Tony-award winning play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as their first musical. Director Angela Olivera and music director Kelly Butler offer a larger than life look at the comic strip’s perceptive take on life.

Composer and lyricist Clark Gesner’s stage musical, produced by Arthur Whitelaw opened in the East Village at Theatre 80 March 7, 1967 with a cast that featured Gary Burghoff as Charlie Brown and Bob Balaban as Linus. The production lasted 1,597 performances and spawned six touring companies between 1967 and 1971.

Described as a day in the life of Charlie Brown, the musical comedy features classics such as “Happiness” and “Suppetime.” Peformed by the usual suspects: Lucy, Stephanie Grant; Linus, Peter Walton; Sally, Jennifer Holcombe; Schroeder, Wesley Palmer; Snoopy, Anna Gunter; and Charlie, Evan Barron, these talented ninth graders give their Broadway best to Fayetteville.

With a total cast of around 20 students, this fun-filled event has characters everyone can relate to. Frustrated geniuses, child psychologists, love-struck admirers, self-aware dogs and defeatist pitchers each share their unique viewpoints about the world from a child’s point of view. Good grief!

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Sam’s Auditorium, 205 Lafayette Ave, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for Senior Citizens and $5 for Students. Go to olivera.angie@fcboe.org for reservations.

What-”You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

When-Thursday through Sunday

Where-Sams Auditorium-Fayetteville

Cost-$8 adults, $6 senior citizens and $5 for students

Reservations-olivera.angie@fcboe.org