Connecticut College Theater Department's

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Based on the hit comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown tells the story of the average day in the life of the title character through songs, scenes and vignettes. The talented cast of six, under the direction of visiting theatrical professor, Gerald Moshell, do a wonderful job bringing this humorous and touching musical to life.

            The show opens with the entire company on stage dressed in colorful, child-like clothes. Against the minimal set and black backdrop, the cast looks like a newspaper comic strip come to life. Each performer brings their well known characters to life and possesses a strong sense of comedic timing and instinct.

            Linus and Lucy Van Pelt, the brother and sister duo for whom the Peanuts cartoon theme song is named, each do a wonderful job. Michael Harris, class of 2011, is Linus, and perfectly plays the knowledgeable, matter-of-fact, blanket loving boy. In “My Blanket and Me” Harris shows off his singing and dancing ability while professing his devotion to his beloved blanket. Emily Greenberg, class of 2009, has a voice that suits Lucy perfectly. Her brassy belt compliments her “crabby” demeanor, yet she manages to keep the character lovable and fun. She keeps the audience laughing in “Little-Known Facts” where she shares her “knowledge” of the world with her little brother.

            Admired by Lucy for his musical talents, Schroeder is played by Eli Shobin, class of 2010. Shobin embodies the Beethoven obsessed pianist and shows off his tenor voice and strong gymnastic skills in his big number, “Beethoven Day.”

            Melanie Knight, class of 2011, does a superb job as Charlie Brown's little sister, Sally Brown. Baby-faced, bubbly and extremely cute, Knight has a knack for comedy. In her number “My New Philosophy” and through her cameos throughout the show, Knight gives one of those performances that makes you say “she's so funny” out loud. The Brown's dog, Snoopy, is played artfully by Logan Keeler, class of 2011. Perched atop his doghouse for most of the show, Snoopy's solo numbers “Snoopy”  and “Suppertime” are a treat.

            Last but not least there is Charlie Brown himself, played by Jeff Church, class of 2011. Church becomes Charlie Brown, with his slouched shoulders and wide blue eyes. His great comedic timing and instinct shine throughout his various monologues and songs. With his sweet tenor voice and fabulous facial expressions, Church has the ability to be on stage alone for long periods of time, while simultaneously providing the audience with some of the most entertaining parts of the show.

            The cast does a great job with the choreography by Rachel Ladd and Julia Strong, who  both  the provided cast with clever and fun movement. The numbers “Beethoven Day” and “You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown” are both chock full of great dancing.

            The cast and crew of Connecticut College's You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown definitely have something to be proud of.

             Though the run of Connecticut College's You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is over, make sure to see their upcoming spring shows:

Working, a musical with songs by Steven Schwartz, James Taylor and more will be presented February 28-March 2.

The Increased Difficulty of Concentration, a play by Vaclav Havel, will be presented April 24-27.

For more information on the arts at Connecticut College, please visit www.conncoll.edu