By John Glen
The Empress is kicking off their 2018 season with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and I’m always excited for any opportunity I get to review at this fun theater in Magna. It has started to feel like another home with familiar faces greeting me at the door. The only thing that put a damper on the evening was the snowstorm I had to drive through to get there.
My husband accompanied me to see the show. He only knew Charlie Brown through the popular comic strips by Charles Schulz. I felt a personal excitement to see this show because You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first musical I ever performed. We both knew we would like this musical when we saw the great set design by David Toth. We both loved the white picket fence and couldn’t wait to see what else was in store.
Although I was surprised by Bradley Hatch’s choice to cast extra ensemble members in the show, it plays off well in the group numbers. Not only does Hatch direct, but he also co-choreographs alongside Taryn Yarrington. The entire show has many beautiful moments and large production numbers. I was impressed with the intricate weaving during Glee Club Rehearsal, but my personal favorite was the dancing duet during My Blanket and Me.
Tanner Larsen, who plays Linus Van Pelt, and Daisy Allred who plays Sally Brown are two new faces for The Empress. Both of them hold their own weight throughout the show and deliver beautiful numbers. Allred’s portrayal of Sally is perfectly aligned with the ‘younger sister’ and I loved watching Larsen tote around his blanket all show. I was particularly touched by his scene with his older sister Lucy, and the tender heartedness that he shows. Michael Howell, who portrayed Charlie Brown, is no stranger to The Empress. In fact, he is no stranger to the role of Charlie Brown, as this was his third time playing the part. He authentically captures the loneliness and problems that Charlie Brown faces. MichaelHowell’s talent is matched by his wife Ashlee Howell, who portrays Lucy Van Pelt. Ashlee Howell definitely scores the most laughs for the evening, and I loved her commitment to the character throughout the entire show.
I loved watching the relationship between Snoopy, played by Tanner Lindsay, and Woodstock, who is portrayed by Angeline Bailey. The duo look relaxed and comfortable together, always picking up and reacting on each other’s cues and facial expressions. Lindsay gives great energy and brought down the house during Suppertime. I was excited to see Skyler Bluemel’s rendition of Beethoven Day. I had the great opportunity to perform with him last summer, and he’s usually working behind the curtain as Music Director. His vocal talent is well known, and he raised the roof with his powerful, soulful rendition.
The entire ensemble does a great job in all of their dance numbers. With multiple costume changes throughout the show, I’m sure they had a lot on their plate. They really helped enhance the story and bring to life classic Charlie Brown moments like Snoopy chasing the Red Baron, The Book Report and The Baseball Game.
Switch on to balanced diet today and make efforts to burn accumulated calories in your body. buy generic levitra They cause no side icks.org buy viagra for women effects or health risks. You cannot randomly 20mg tadalafil prices change dosages just because you fell like it. Suffering from erectile dysfunction or male impotence? Well, you are not alone, there are millions going through order levitra online the same problem.
One of the things I love to do during a show is look around at the many different audience members and see how they are reacting. I felt a certain warmth this evening as I glanced around to find many children in the audience who were constantly laughing and enjoying the evening. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at The Empress brings happiness and laughter for everyone. You are sure to walk away with a bigger smile and a brighter outlook on life.
The Empress Theatre presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner.
January 19-February 3, 2018 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12
Contact: 801-347-7373
The Empress Theatre Facebook Page
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown Facebook Event
0 Comments