The University Theatre is kicking off its spring semester with the musical comedy “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” originally written by Clark Gesner. The production showcases an ordinary day in the life of the beloved Peanuts gang: Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder and Snoopy.
Director Ben Nordstrom is a guest director for the University Theatre and is an acclaimed St. Louis actor, appearing in works like The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ “Urinetown”; HotCity Theatre’s “Say You Love Satan”; and Stages St. Louis’ “Footloose.” A Webster graduate, Nordstrom has acted all over the country and brings much talent and experience to the direction of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
“This is a younger musical, more oriented toward children,” said James Canfield, assistant publicity manager for the University Theatre.
After its last two previous musicals, “Lucky Stiff” and “Ruthless,” dealt with the heavy-handed subject of murder, the University Theatre chose to go in a different direction with this lighthearted, upbeat musical.
Centered around Charlie Brown’s quest to discover whether or not he is, indeed, the “good man” who his friends describe him to be, the musical takes a lighthearted look at what it means to be a good person.
“This is the highlight of the season,” Canfield said. “Two hours of fun and entertainment!”
The small cast is fairly young, consisting of two music majors making their debut in a University Theatre production: junior Andy Hampton and sophomore Anthony Heinemann; two freshmen: Katie McGee and Erin Almand; and two seasoned University Theatre actors who have appeared in prior performances: sophomores Marcy Wiegert and Justin Leibrecht.
“I love the cast,” said Katie McGee, who plays Snoopy. “It’s really fun working with them. We have a good time together and hope that the audience will be able to share in the good time.”
The audience should expect plenty of laughs and a good time. So don’t be a “blockhead” and come see the University Theatre’s rendition of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”
Performances begin on Friday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m., with additional performances on March 1, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. A matinee performance will take place March 9 at 2 p.m. All performances are in the University Theatre in Xavier Hall. Tickets can be purchased in the box office on the bottom floor of Xavier.