"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" a Big Hit for Cary Community Theater

Robert's Reviews - October 15, 2008

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Review

THE 1971 "PEANUTS" COMIC-STRIP MUSICAL "YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN" WAS A BIG HIT FOR CARY COMMUNITY THEATER

The "Peanuts" comic-strip musical YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, which the Cary Players performed on Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5 at Herbert Young Community Center in Cary, was a big hit. CHARLIE BROWN was Cary community theater’s first full-length musical, but surely it won’t be their last.

Director and choreographer Nancy Rich, who co-founded Raleigh-based Actors Comedy Lab, worked her theatrical magic in bringing the Charlie and Snoopy and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz (1922-2000) to full, glorious life, live on stage -- much to the delight of children of all ages. Nancy Rich set a brisk comic pace and punched up the show’s production numbers -- especially "Beethoven Day," Book Report," and "Suppertime" -- with some dynamic dance steps, and pianist Craig Johnson and percussio nist Edward Butler provided lively accompaniment throughout the show.

Set designer Harry Van Wagenen created a colorful assortment of mix-and-match cubes to create Snoopy’s doghouse, Lucy’s psychiatrist’s booth, etc; and lighting designer Andy Parks and costume designer Amanda Edgerton’s efforts helped underscore the show’s cartoonlike visual scheme.

Jon Karnofsky was charming as lovable loser Charlie Brown; Toni Ahrens was a real pistol Charlie’s spunky little sister, Sally; and Jessica Smith was a delight as cynical and crabby Lucy van Pelt. Jay Dolan and Derek Taylor’s comic characterizations of Lucy’s thumb-sucking, security-blan ket-clutching little brother, Linus, and the child-prodigy pianist and Beethoven enthusiast Schroeder were likewise excellent. And Jaret Preston was a veritable ball of fire as Snoopy, the "Peanuts" gang’s intrepid mascot and probably the world’s best known beagle.