From Deseret News archives:
Y. brings 'Charlie Brown' to life
PROVO — Brigham Young University's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," is not unlike any one of the Charlie Brown holiday specials on television. This Peanuts troupe is great and — thanks to some fantastic costuming — seem to have stepped right out of the small screen or off the page of the paper.
This popular Broadway musical written by Clark M. Gesner and based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, has all the favorite cast of characters sharing a day in their life. Through a group of vignettes and inspired songs, the audience sees into the heart and minds of Charlie Brown. Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder and, of course, Snoopy.
The talented cast of six actors include Tyler Wright (Charlie Brown), Brighton Hertford (Sally Brown), Makenna James (Lucy Van Pelt), Brandon Roach (Linus van Pelt), Kevin Jordan (Schroeder), and Hank Florence (Snoopy). (The Sally Brown character is double cast with Meg Moffat.)
All of the bells and whistles found in the Broadway show are there. Even Woodstock makes an appearance.
Favorite songs from the show include, "Happiness Is," "Philosophy," "The Book Report," "Schroeder" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." All of the cast are accomplished singers and made their childlike characters easy to believe.
A special congratulations go to the director George D. Nelson, scenic designer Eric Fielding, and Jessica Cowden, costume designer.
The set is a simple collection of monochromatic, giant Lego-type blocks. The costumes and wigs are bigger than life. They're colorful and comical.
Audience members also receive a study guide on the Peanuts gang. The dramaturgs did a great job bringing the history of the characters to life for the young audiences.
This is a very family-friendly show with question-and-answer sessions after the shows with the characters. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is a great show with which to start summer vacation. It's one for the whole family.
E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com
