On Dec. 3 and 4, the Untitled@Large theater group performed
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
in the Kennedy Center’s Barrett Lab Theater. Based on the comic strip
Peanuts
by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, this production was director Michael Mayer’s version of the musical. Community members, faculty, and students filled the theater on both nights of the family-friendly musical directed by Aaron Simons ’22.
Within the cast of six, the character of Linus Van Pelt was played by Jonathan Shakespeare ’22, Sally Brown was portrayed by Jasmine Gess ’23, Schroeder by Kenny Letts ’21, Lucy Van Pelt by Maggie Luddy ’20, Snoopy by Cole Wright-Schaner ’23, and Charlie Brown by Aaron Simons ’22.
The production served as a simple, enjoyable take on
Peanuts
’ best themes. From the iconic “The Doctor Is In” bit with Lucy Van Pelt to Snoopy perched on top of his doghouse for “The Red Baron,” each musical performance channeled the essence of Charlie Brown and his
Peanuts
sidekicks. It was the perfect study break for finals: Simons said in his Director’s Note that, “It’s fun to escape the seriousness of grown-up life and revel in the innocence (and blissful ignorance) of youth.”
The musical was split into two acts with an intermission. The cast performed a series of fourteen scenes, belting out songs that highlighted both their wide vocal range and acting skills. The cast worked with a few props, including a doghouse for Snoopy, a “Doctor is in” stand for Lucy, and Schroeder’s classic piano. Although the dates of the performance suggest a holiday theme, the scenes bounced from Valentine’s Day to “Beethoven Day” in December.
Simons elaborated that “the show’s setting is all over the place. Quite frankly, it really doesn’t make sense. But that’s precisely the point.
Charlie Brown
isn’t attempting to make a statement; it isn’t trying to educate anyone. It’s just… fun. It’s fun to watch a group of college students play preschoolers.”
The simplicity of the plot, songs, and hilarious scenes reminded Reilee Gunsher ’21 “of what creativity was like as a child, being able to put on a show in your living room with a few cardboard boxes and your imagination.” Gunsher was also touched by the messages shown throughout the play, explaining that “Every character was funny and beautiful and relatable. Everyone has felt lonely like Charlie Brown, everyone has felt shameful like Lucy, and I’m sure we’ve all been overdramatically hungry like Snoopy.”
Stand out performances of the night included Luddy as Lucy and Wright-Schaner as Snoopy. Luddy has a tremendous repertoire in the Hamilton theater community: she played Tracy Turnblad in
Hairspray
and Éponine in
Les Misérables
, and is well known for her directing talents. Luddy’s most notable performance in
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
was during the second scene, “Schroeder,” where she quickly established her amazing talent as a vocalist. According to Gunsher, “[Luddy] could not have been a more perfect Lucy; she was spunky, funny, and so incredibly talented.” Wright-Schaner also received some of the loudest applause of the night for his performances in “Snoopy,” “The Red Baron,” and “Suppertime.” His comedic take on Snoopy made Wright-Schraner, along with Luddy, a highlight of the night.
Carlo Benavides ’23 said that “the entire cast is incredibly vibrant” but found Shakespeare’s portrayal of Linus particularly remarkable, noting that he “really embodied Linus, [and] I was truly impressed.” Sally, who was played by Jasmine Gess, also impressed Benavides, who thought that “she did a great job, especially as a freshman.” Appreciative of the “heartwarming story,” Benavides found the songs “enchanting.”
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
is the perfect musical for all ages and was the perfect performance to send students into finals week on the right note. The addictive brightness of the story and talent of the cast was clear after every song — the play was goofy, touching, and hilarious, yet also carried emotional depth. Gunsher exclaimed that “This was definitely the best musical I’ve ever seen at Hamilton.”
