June 13, 2006 > You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

by Belinda Maloney

Your favorite "Peanuts" characters from comic strips and those precious TV specials are brought to life on stage. You'll be chuckling to yourself saying, "I remember that!"

This show can be best described as an average day in the life of Charlie Brown. A series of vignettes depicts daily life from Valentine's Day to baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair. All of this is mixed in with the lives of Charlie's friends and strung together on a single day, from a bright uncertain morning to a hopeful starlit evening.

You'll remember Snoopy (Brandon Harrington) sitting atop his dog house dressed as a WWI Flying Ace in search of the Red Baron in "The Red Baron." Who could forget the loveable Linus (Ron Tanon) watching TV while clutching his blanket. He gradually overcomes his dependency and casually walks away only to return to it in "My Blanket and Me."

Remember how sorry you felt for Charlie Brown (Ricky Webster) when everyone is exchanging Valentines and he's upset to discover Snoopy received a ton of them while Charlie hasn't received even one? In desperation, he seeks help from Lucy (Bevin Bell), who considers herself an amateur psychiatrist "The Doctor Is In."

Schroeder (Perry Aliado), everyone's favorite Beethoven piano player, leads a choir practice but an argument ensues and he is unable to keep order in "Glee Club Rehearsal." Cute little Sally (Cindy Powell), Charlie Brown's little sister, explains her outlook on life in "My New Philosophy."

Rounding out the gang is Peppermint Patty (Terri McDowell), Marcie (Ursula Anders), Pig Pen (Jason Crispell), Frieda (Brittney Harrington), Violet (Tiffany Ishihara), and of course, Woodstock (Livia Thomas).

Under the capable direction of Newark Memorial High's Steve Harrington, this fun-filled tale will leave you smiling all the way home. By turns, funny, warm, and charming, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" will delight audiences of all ages.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for advance purchase and seniors, and $10 for students (with ID) and younger. Groups of 10 or more are $15 per person when ordered in advance.

For more information, call (510) 791-0287 or visit www.stage1theatre.org.

Newark Memorial High School Theatre
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 791-0287

June 16 to July 1
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.