Photo credit: Waldron Creative
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, presented by Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre at the historic Utah Theatre, is definitely not just for children. Based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schultz, the show is a musical comedy presented in a series of vignettes starring Charlie Brown (Joe Ogren), his friends Lucy (Mackenzie Rogers), Linus (Kevin Nakatani), and Schroeder (Jonathan Walker-VanKuren), his sister Sally (Cecilia Trippiedi), and his trusty dog Snoopy (Stefan Espinosa). With book, lyrics, and music by Clark Gesner, the show first opened on Broadway in 1967. UFOMT’s production uses the script and score from the 1999 revival, with additional dialogue by Michael Mayer and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. While dealing with everyday themes, including loneliness, love, doubt, anxiety, courage, and friendship, Charlie Brown is delightfully entertaining for children and incredibly nostalgic for adults.
From the first appearance of Charlie Brown and his gang, the audience is transported into a two-dimensional comic strip world expertly created by Set Designer Daniel Simons, Costume Designer Jennifer Sheshko Wood, Lighting Designer Chris Wood and Projections Designer Carl J. Whitaker. After a black and white beginning, the stage fills with color as the characters come to life. The stage magic thrills the audience and adds sophistication to what at first might appear to be a children’s show. I especially loved the projections used throughout the show. I “oohed” and “awed’ right along with the little ones in the audience.
Even with a perfect setting, a musical comedy cannot succeed without a talented cast. Fortunately, under the creative direction of Espinosa, this cast engages the audience completely from start to finish. Ogren is a meek, lovable Charlie Brown and the audience laughs with him and at him as he faces his fears and shares his stories. He plays well off the others in the cast and is a master storyteller. Walker-Vankuren is a soulful Shroeder. He has great comic timing and a rich voice that is comfortable at both the top and bottom of his range. His showcase number “Beethoven Day” is a crowd favorite. Linus, played by Nakatani, delights the audience with his dancing prowess in “My Blanket and Me”. You will laugh right out loud (I did) as the rest of the cast comes out in blanket costumes as part of the clever, innovative choreography by Scott A. Bodily. In fact, the dancing in the show is genius in its simplicity and execution. It adds to the humor and energy of the entire show and I loved it throughout.
As fabulous as the men are in this show, the ladies absolutely sparkle. Rogers is the perfect Lucy. Her voice, speaking and singing, completely embodies Lucy’s personality and “crabbiness” without taking it too far. Her pitches are true and her familiar bossy persona (I was Lucy as a child) is totally believable. Sally, played by Trippiedi, is cute, mischievous, sassy and sweet. Her voice is versatile and her physicality is perfectly child-like. I loved her rendition of “My New Philosophy,” which was added to the show for the Broadway revival. In fact, I was impressed by all the show’s vocals, including the excellent group blend, and was surprised that there was no music director listed in the program. Kudos to the cast, who with the help of the principal pianist (Julie Neish), effectively present a clean, polished musical performance. Although there are no live musicians in the pit, the sound designer (Carl J. Whitaker) makes sure the mix between tracks and voices is beautifully balanced so we understand everything that is said and sung.
Lest you think I forgot about Snoopy, I certainly did not. I saved him for last because he steals the show without upstaging any of the other characters. Espinosa (who also directs the show) brings all the best things about this universally beloved dog to life. His facial animation keeps the audience laughing and he sings and dances like the pro he is. Snoopy’s song “Suppertime” is a showstopper. I have never seen Espinosa in a show where he did not shine, regardless of the size of his role. As a director, he thinks outside of the box and this production showcases his creativity. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown is sure to be a highlight of the 2018 Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre season.
The beautifully renovated Utah Theatre is part of the Historic Theatre District in downtown Logan and tickets are easiest to purchase online at www.utahfestival.org. Family-priced tickets are available in the balcony and the theatre is small enough that there are no bad seats in the house. However, if you want to purchase the less expensive tickets, you need to get them soon, as they are already going fast. Parking is easy to find, with lots in the middle of the blocks on the north and south sides of Center Street. You don’t want to park in the south lot for matinees, however, as parking in that lot is restricted until 6 PM. Whether you are young or young at heart, this show will be sure to please.
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Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown with book, lyrics and music by Clark Gesner. Additional dialogue by Michael Mayer and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.
Utah Theatre, 18 West Center Street, Logan, Utah 84321
June 29, July 2, 10, 11, 16, 17, 23, 24, 2018 7:30PM
June 23, July 6, July 31, Aug 1, 2018 1:00PM
Tickets: $16 – $79
Box Office toll-free at: 800.262.0074 ext 3
Ticketing site: www.utahfestival.org
Ticket discounts are not available online. To take advantage of: Series, Group, Student and Special Promotion discounts, please call the Box Office.
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