Charles Schulz’s beloved characters were already feted in the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which has been a staple of community and high school theater groups for years. Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn will present another show featuring the gang from Peanuts, although this one has more of a focus on Charlie Brown’s lovable beagle.

“Snoopy! The Musical,” which is similar to “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” as it contains heart-warming and comedic vignettes, as well as musical numbers. In the Peanuts comics, Snoopy often had several alter egos, including Joe Cool, the Red Baron and Edgar Allen Poe to name a few. His larger than life personality is brought to the stage by Stephen Odom, while Snoopy’s sidekick, Woodstock, is played by Lexi Barrett. Andrew Miller takes the part of Charlie Brown, while Chelsie Boyd plays his sister, Sally. Tanner Baker takes the security blanket and plays Linus, while Ashton McRanie plays Linus’ sister, Lucy and Samantha Cardio plays Peppermint Patty. The cast is rounded out by 26 ensemble members, meaning that the big musical numbers are really big, with vocals and dancing that pops on the colorful set.

Carey Barrett makes his directorial debut at Southside Theatre Guild with the show and he heaped praise on his cast and crew for making the process so easy. Jerry Mathis, who has done the music for a number of shows at the theater, returns as the musical director and Barrett’s wife, Monique Hache Barrett, is the choreographer. Carey and Monique teach ballroom dancing and Monique also teaches ballet, jazz and tap among other styles.

It is a long-standing tradition at Southside Theatre Guild for the final dress rehearsal to open to residents from Christian City. It gives them a chance to see the show and it gives the cast and crew a chance to perform for an audience and get the opening night jitters out of the way. Barrett reported that “Snoopy! The Musical” got a standing ovation from the crowd on Tuesday night.

“It has come together really well and we’re all thrilled,” said Barrett. “We had done the show so many times and had performed the jokes so many times, they weren’t funny anymore. It was great to have a crowd to be able to appreciate the nuances and the impact of the show.”

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang from Peanuts have entertained people around the world for decades and this show is like watching the old comic strips and tv specials come to life.

“Snoopy! The Musical” runs Thursdays through Saturdays through Aug. 1 with a special Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on July 26. Tickets are $12 on Thursdays, $12 for children under 12 and $15 for adults. Phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com to reserve your tickets. Southside Theatre Guild is located at 20 West Campbellton St. in Fairburn.

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