‘Good man’ Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang back on Pollard stage
Charles M. Schultz created the Peanuts Comic Strip in 1950 and everyone was hooked. The adventures of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally and Snoopy were an integral part of baby boomer identity development and these characters have reflected the childhood of every generation since.
In 1967, Clark Gesner and John Gordon created “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” bringing these beloved characters to the stage.
The Pollard Theatre is back with “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” a wonderful beginning to theatre after the pandemic. The show brings together a cast of six endearingly childlike characters under the expert direction of Timothy Stewart. Assisting Stewart is Michael Stafford in music direction and Joshua McGowen, stage manager.
The lighting is designed by Michael Long and the sound is by Jared Blount. Costumes are from Michael James and Properties are due to the efforts of Kris Schinske Wolfe and Jessa Schinske. The set design is a collaboration between Blount and Long.
The ensemble cast of six is headed by Tyler Clark as Charlie Brown. Charlie is full of angst and childhood insecurities — many of us have experienced Charlie Brown days … the days when everything goes wrong and everyone else thinks it’s funny. It is funny and we loved Charlie Brown. Clark brings that love to fruition with his characterization.
Remember how Linus held onto his blanket and refused to grow up even while exhibiting a profound education? Cam Taylor is exactly the perfect Linus in every way.
Lucy. There was a Lucy in every school. What a character she is! Ellie Valdez pinpoints the diabolical ideas and plans Lucy comes up with ideal expressiveness.
Erin Heatly is Sally. Mischievous and delightful, Sally is the little girl of our hearts and Heatly brings her to life.
Schroeder is played by Blount with excellent visuals. Huddled over the piano, the Beethoven fan is a hilarious combination of genius and little boy.
Universally, a favorite character is Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s little dog. Snoopy is a full-fledged member of the gang with human desires and frailties, but first and foremost, a cute little dog with a rollicking imagination. Kristin Küns absolutely nails the role and is a tail-wagging delight.
Stewart’s direction brings out the child in every actor and every actor brings out the simplicity of childhood and the nostalgic memories are warm and fuzzy. “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” plays through May 22 and the curtain goes up at 8 p.m. Additionally there is a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. For further information and tickets go online to www.thepollard.org or call 405282-2800.