2008 Woodie Awards
Theater Review: 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'
'Peanuts' gang, Conservatory amuse audiences
By: Erin Duley
Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Reviews
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4 out of 5 stars
America's favorite loser is back and is as unimpressive as ever in the Webster Conservatory's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Thankfully, the play itself far surpasses its title character's stunning mediocrity.
Directed by Nick Eilerman as his senior Capstone Project, the production features superb work by each department involved in designing and presenting the final concept.
The "Peanuts" gang is so well known through the comic strip, animated series and holiday specials that the audience expects a certain look and feel before they even take their seats. However, as soon as Charlie and friends shuffle on stage in their signature outfits among the bold lines and exaggerated scale of the set and props, it's clear the designers have nailed it.
The characters themselves are emotionally outsized compared to their animated versions. Their constant hyperactivity makes the characters less distinctive than they were in the original comic, but the actors' commitment to this energy level is impressive. Even moving scenery around on stage in preparation for the next scene, the actors maintain their bouncy personas from start to finish.
One of the most entertaining aspects of "Peanuts" and its offshoots is the occasional maturity of its young characters. Although they may be jumping rope one minute, they could be talking about some grand philosophy the next. This unlikely combination is featured in the play and comes off well, especially when performed with all the liveliness the cast can muster.
Charlie's precocious younger sister Sally (Erin Amanda Anderson) represents these extremes of playfulness and wisdom mixed together and topped off with a big, pink bow. Her random actions and worldly insights are among the funniest moments in the production. Anderson commits to every childlike action and expression, making her complicated portrayal look carefree.
Mr. Brown himself (Adam King) takes a while to become as lovable as the character is meant to be. In the beginning, Charlie's constant self-criticism makes it sound like he's headed toward a massive ulcer - which is more upsetting than endearing. However, as his friends gradually cut him some slack, his appeal increases as his outlook becomes a little rosier.
America's favorite loser is back and is as unimpressive as ever in the Webster Conservatory's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Thankfully, the play itself far surpasses its title character's stunning mediocrity.
Directed by Nick Eilerman as his senior Capstone Project, the production features superb work by each department involved in designing and presenting the final concept.
The "Peanuts" gang is so well known through the comic strip, animated series and holiday specials that the audience expects a certain look and feel before they even take their seats. However, as soon as Charlie and friends shuffle on stage in their signature outfits among the bold lines and exaggerated scale of the set and props, it's clear the designers have nailed it.
The characters themselves are emotionally outsized compared to their animated versions. Their constant hyperactivity makes the characters less distinctive than they were in the original comic, but the actors' commitment to this energy level is impressive. Even moving scenery around on stage in preparation for the next scene, the actors maintain their bouncy personas from start to finish.
One of the most entertaining aspects of "Peanuts" and its offshoots is the occasional maturity of its young characters. Although they may be jumping rope one minute, they could be talking about some grand philosophy the next. This unlikely combination is featured in the play and comes off well, especially when performed with all the liveliness the cast can muster.
Charlie's precocious younger sister Sally (Erin Amanda Anderson) represents these extremes of playfulness and wisdom mixed together and topped off with a big, pink bow. Her random actions and worldly insights are among the funniest moments in the production. Anderson commits to every childlike action and expression, making her complicated portrayal look carefree.
Mr. Brown himself (Adam King) takes a while to become as lovable as the character is meant to be. In the beginning, Charlie's constant self-criticism makes it sound like he's headed toward a massive ulcer - which is more upsetting than endearing. However, as his friends gradually cut him some slack, his appeal increases as his outlook becomes a little rosier.
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