Final Weekend Selling Fast
Based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schultz, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner, opened off-Broadway in 1967. After several tours, it opened on Broadway in 1971 and was later adapted for the TV in 1985. In 1999 it was revised with additional songs by Andrew Lippa and dialogue by Michael Mayer.
The show is basically a series of vignettes, making the audience feel like they’re seeing the Peanuts comic strip brought to life. The classic characters of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, and, of course, Snoopy, give the audience a glimpse into the hopes, dreams, thoughts, and feelings of a group of children dealing with school, family, friendships, and growing up. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is being presented by Hanover Little Theatre under the direction of Paul Norfolk with assistant director Douglas D. Cooper and music director Vanessa Rice through September 14.
This production is simply a joy to watch. The set (designed by Rene Delisle), costumes, and lighting (designed by Allisa Baker and Bob McCleary) are well-designed, reminding Peanuts fans of the comic strip and the many television specials. The sound (by Alexis Seidenstricker) is perfectly balanced. Scene changes are smooth and quick, keeping the pace of the production moving, and the choreography by Allisa Baker suits each character perfectly.