By Nate Brown
What could possibly bring in the Christmas season better than watching A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage in the Delta Performance Hall at Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah?
Nothing. The answer you’re looking for is “nothing.”
As a child, I regularly looked forward to Charles M. Shulz’s Christmas special, featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi. I would laugh and cringe as Charlie Brown made his way through his childhood world, seeking the true meaning of Christmas.
This adaptation by Eric Schaeffer preserves the feel of the original and adds in a few additional songs for good measure.
No program was produced for this show, so I, unfortunately, can’t give proper credit to the production staff or actors. I will only be able to refer to them by title and character name.
Direction, choreography, sets, sound, and lighting are fantastic for this show and serve to tug on our nostalgic heartstrings throughout. From the 60’s style television backdrop to Snoopy’s doghouse, the presentation feels especially like the cartoon – oversized and colorful. The choreography even evokes the mismatched joy of the movement in the auditorium dance scene of the original.
Snoopy is a beautiful dancer and a pleasure to watch. Being one of the most essential characters in the show and having no lines is always a challenge, but she delivers with athleticism, grace, and comedic timing.
Charlie Brown is well chosen for the role, with his speech and mannerisms distinctly contrasting with those of the original voice, Peter Robbins. His nasal lilt may not be an audience favorite, but it emotes the core of Charlie Brown and seems to soften as Charlie Brown’s character learns more of the true meaning of Christmas.
As the lone ecclesiastical representative of the cast, Linus van Pelt is played with a straightforward, child-like innocence. The Luke 2 reading is upbeat and frank, unquestionably different from the original by Chris Shea, but just as effective.
Lucy van Pelt is loud, confident, and endearing. As the would-be psychiatrist who gives Charlie Brown his chance to lead the pageant, she is bossy and grown-up at all the right moments and pivots to throwing a fit with just the right passion and energy.
The supporting ensemble is talented and agile. The trio on piano, bass, and drums isn’t quite the Vince Guaraldi Trio, but they are fun to listen to and do a good job portraying the characters of Schroeder, Pig-Pen, and Shermy. Patty, Sally Brown, and Frieda sing, dance, and play with ease and strength that I’d forgotten was characteristic of Schulz’s female characters.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage is appropriate for all audiences and seems to be geared toward 4- to 12-year-olds. Parents and others will be surprised at how well the music and story translate to the stage.
Continue your Peanuts Christmas tradition in a new and joyful way with A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage!
Live at the Eccles presents A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, Adapted by Eric Schaeffer from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story, featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi.
Delta Performance Hall at Eccles Theater, 131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
December 21, 2019, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Tickets: $21.25 – $47.50
(801) 355-ARTS (2787) or Toll-Free 1 (888) 451-ARTS (2787)
Live at the Eccles Facebook Page
Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage Facebook Event
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