Josh Davis, left, and Angela Willis rehearse a scene involving Schroeder and Lucy from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Audiences are invited to step inside a day in the life of their beloved Peanuts characters in Theatre-at-Tusculum’s upcoming production of the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
A treat for all ages, Theatre-at-Tusculum’s production will be the revised show that opened on Broadway in 1999 and is a fresh approach to the 1967 classic musical. Sally Brown joins the cast of characters, which includes Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and a small, feathered surprise!
The action reflects a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown, taking the audience on a hilarious journey from wild optimism to utter despair, from a bright, uncertain morning to a hopeful, starlit evening. Scenes give insight into the nature of each character and the intertwined lives of Charlie Brown and his friends (both human and non-human).
Wonderful musical numbers featured include “Beethoven Day,” “My Blanket and Me,” “Little Known Facts,” “My New Philosophy,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.”
Tusculum College Arts Outreach Director and Artist-in-Residence Marilyn duBrisk directs a cast of Theatre-at-Tusculum veterans and newcomers. Local favorites Doug Presley and Brian Ricker will be portraying Charlie Brown and Linus, respectively. Tusculum student Josh Davis, who Theatre-at-Tusculum audiences may remember from his portrayal of Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” portrays Beethoven’s greatest admirer, Schroeder. The fiery Lucy will be portrayed by Angela Willis, who audiences will remember for her portrayal of Anna in the 2010 production of “The King and I.”
Audrey Shoemaker, who was introduced to local audiences in her portrayal of “Rosalie” in last fall’s “Carnival,” will bring Snoopy to life. Newcomer and Tusculum student Danielle Threet portrays Sally, and Carlie Shipley, who appeared in both “The King and I” and “Carnival” will portray Snoopy’s feathered friend, Woodstock.
Clockwise from bottom are cast members Audrey Shoemaker, Angela Willis, Josh Davis, Doug Presley, Brian Ricker and Danielle Threet. Not pictured is Carlie Shipley, who will be portraying Woodstock.
The musical will open Friday, Feb. 17, with two weekends of performances. The musical will be at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb 17-18 and 24-25. Sunday matinee performances will be at 2 p.m. on Feb. 19 and 26.
Performances will be in the David Behan Arena Theatre on the lower level (side entrance) of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus.
The Behan Theatre provides a “theater-in-the-round” experience that brings the audience up close to their favorite Peanut personalities, but also means that seating is limited. Ticket reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting Arts Outreach at 423.798.1620 or jhollowell@tusculum.edu. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 60 and over) and $5 for children 12 and under.