Review of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Back row from the left, Alex Roberstson as Schroeder, Grace Allard as Linus, front row, Cody Young as Charlie Brown and Amy Young as Sally in the Pocket Community Theatre's production of You're a Good May, Charlie Brown. Photo provided by Mary Lou Moran

I have to admit I love the intimacy of the Pocket Community Theatre. There is not a bad seat in the house. You hear every word the actors say and you are involved in every little action.
Last night at the Pocket was the first performance of the run of Charles M. Schulz's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown adapted by Clark Gesner. It was loads of fun and the audience laughed at every line and clapped for every vignette.
Like the Charlie Brown comics the play is made up of short little vignettes of humor then a theatrical black out. Move on to the next one and throw in a song here and there. If you like to laugh this is the show for you.
Everyone has their favorite character in the Charlie Brown comics and of course it carries over to the musical. Like most I am partial to Snoopy, Lucy and Linus and they stole my heart last night as well.
Also, the music has become a part of our culture with Suppertime sung by Snoopy and Happiness by the entire ensemble as the most endearing, enduring pieces.
The analytical Linus was played by Grace Allard. She has a good singing voice and was very sweet as the insecure but brainy boy with his famous blue blanket in tow. Allard was making her debut at the Pocket. The Lakeside High School freshman held her own against the older cast members.
The star of the production, Charlie Brown, was played by Cody Young. Cody appeared in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown once before but played Linus in Arkadelphia. He is the Charlie Brown blockhead personified. He has a pleasant singing voice and portrays depressed to the hilt. I enjoyed Cody's Charlie Brown.
Cody Young's wife Amy played the lovable Sally, my personal favorite in the show. For all the angst suffered by Charlie Brown his little sister Sally is perfectly comfortable in her own skin. She is a blond doll the world orbits around. Amy has the best trained voice but didn't have enough opportunity to let it soar.
Alex Roberstson was Schroeder. He appeared consumed by his music and terrified by Lucy's advances. He was a delight to watch. Emotion danced across his face. Good job Roberstson.
For the most giggles and laughs watch Cameron Jones as Snoopy. I loved Jones as Paul Bratter in Barefoot in the Park but I adore him as Snoopy in this show. He hams it up and is perfect as the scene-stealing beagle. The scenes with Snoopy and Lucy are some of the best in the show.
Rounding out the cast is the villain of the piece, Lucy, played by Sarah Mouritsen. Sarah has the best singing voice in the show and we have ample opportunity to hear her sing. The character of Lucy thwarts every other character in the show but takes a special delight in the character assassination of Charlie Brown. To keep from totally hating her occasionally she shows what a good friend she can be. She also takes a sibling delight in tormenting her blanket toting little brother Linus.
The hardest working member of the cast was accompanist JoAnn Ross. In addition to the musical numbers there is a lot of incidental music in the show. She never missed a beat. The cast could count on her to keep the show moving along and to keep it pulled together. Bravo.
The director of the show, Jerry Davis, and his right hand woman assistant director Mary Lou Moran did a great job with the vision of this production. Producer Dianne Darcus should be very proud. Rounding out the capable production staff were stage manager Cate Thornton and assistant stage manager Katie Garner. Good job you two, everyone made it to places and the show moved right along.
I can't forget to mention the bigger than life size set in primary colors, perfect. The oversize costumes that matched those of the comic strip characters were also memorable.
All in all this is a go see show. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown runs the rest of this weekend and next. Visit www.pockettheatre.com to get tickets.