You’re a good man, Ben Nordstrom, for you have successfully directed a fun musical worth attending.
The Saint Louis University Theatre opened its spring musical, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Friday, Feb. 29, to a nearly full house of energetic theater goers who were expecting a night of laughter and fun-few were disappointed.
For approximately two hours, the super-talented, six-person cast that portrayed beloved Peanuts comic strip characters danced, sang and acted its heart out. Their energy was amazing and their enthusiasm contagious.
The audience was in stitches throughout the show due to the hilarious characterizations and comedic timing of each performer. This is a truly great ensemble cast with no weak link to be found.
This is not a serious musical by any means, with the comic strip’s dry humor translating fairly well from page to stage. The show is a hodge-podge of classic Peanuts one-liners (“I can’t stand it!”) and familiar scenes, like the gang’s unsuccessful attempts to win a baseball game and Lucy’s psychiatric-help business.
Junior Andy Hampton shines as the dejected titular character, Charlie Brown, who is trying to find any sort of redeeming quality within himself as he yearns for “that little red-headed girl.” In his quest, Charlie Brown goes to Lucy, played by pitch-perfect and hilarious sophomore Marcy Wiegart, for advice. Lucy, however, is preoccupied with trying to become a queen and does little to help him.
Charlie Brown’s little sister, Sally, is played by freshman Erin Almand, whose power-house vocals shine in “My New Philosophy.” Almand is also to be congratulated for nailing the body language and habits of a precocious and curious 6 year old.?
Freshman Katie McGee (an inspired Snoopy), sophomore Justin J. Leibricht (adorable as the blanket-loving Linus) and sophomore Anthony Heinemann (a charming Schroeder) follow suit by playing up the physical humor of Peanuts.
While giving praise, the seventh (and possibly most important) character cannot be forgotten: the band.
The four-person ensemble, consisting of two pianists, one drummer and an acoustic bassist, is truly the driving force of the show.?Situated at stage right, the band is in the thick of the action. They even occasionally interact with the cast, and each musician is dressed as one of the memorable Peanuts characters not featured onstage.
Speaking of costumes, a round of applause is in order for senior Elizabeth Ashby for her cute and cartoony designs.
The wardrobe of each character stays true to the comic strip, bringing an animated feel to the stage.
The sets for the show are also a keen translation of the comic from cartoon to real life. They are cheerful and simplistic, yet a perfect complement to the show’s simple and fun nature.
Whether you are a fan of the classic Charles Schulz Peanuts comic strip or just looking for something fun to do on a Friday night without straying far from home, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be well worth your time and money. And that’s my new philosophy.
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” is performed in the University Theatre in Xavier Hall. Performances are today and Saturday, March 8, at 8 p.m. There is also a matinee Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students and $10 for general admission.
