You're a Good Man Charlie Brown- Empress Theater, Magna, Utah

(Note: Since this was their last rehearsal, I will not be commenting on the tech and the band in the show.)

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown is a musical based on the beloved Charles Schulz Peanuts comic strip. It stars Charlie Brown and his other friends Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Linus and Snoopy. The team explores the world, learning valuable and hilarious lessons along the way. This script is based on the book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner, with additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Michael Mayer contributed additional dialogue. This production was directed by Emma Hallet-Leyva. 

Direction:

Emma Hallet-Leyva made strong choices with her directing. She helped create a world where you truly felt apart of the comic. Hallet-Leyva made sure her actors acted in a childlike way. When talking with another audience member during intermission they talked about how some of the actors acted like students they taught.

Gracie George choreographed simple, but effective dance numbers. As a result of the simplicity, the dance numbers were clean, in unison, and visually appealing. Some highlights were Beethoven Day, My New Philosophy, and T-E-A-M.

Amanda Robinson as the music director helped make sure that the actors were on pitch with their singing and that the leads were solid on their songs.

Performances: 

Charlie Brown was played by Sonny Payne. Payne made great characters choice that made the audience feel sorry for Charlie Brown. By the end of the show the character growth is delightful and heart warming when they get to the song "Happiness." Payne's vocals were smooth and made me smile. During Beethoven Day Charlie Brown doesn't have a dance partner during a certain part and Payne's choice during this was wonderfully comedic. 

Lucy Van Pelt was played by Gweny Adams. Adams made choices that stayed true to Lucy. She was crabby and strong willed- which was perfect! Her vocals were well rehearsed. Adams made great character choices that were comedic and left her performance to be rememberable.

Schroeder was played by Brady Neilson. Neilson's vocals were lovely to listen to.  He made strong character choices that were true to his character and made him a standout.

Snoopy was played by Colby Nash. Nash was, by far, my most favorite performance of the night. He had a well defined character that was big and hilarious. Nash's physicality was well thought out and brought humor to the show. He showcased a talent with a prop, that had the whole audience impressed with his action. Nash's vocals were strong and gorgeous to listen to.

Design:

The set was designed by Elder Jordan Shami and Colby Nash. The set builders and painters were Tracy McGee, Jordan Shami, and the cast. Stepping into the theater you feel like you are pulled into the world created by Charles Schulz. The set has SO many details, that are later pointed out during the song, "Little Known Facts." The only thing I was unsure of with the set was the revolving doors where you only got to see the other side once during the whole entire show. They put SO much work on the other side of the door that it was sad that it was only seen once.

The costumer for the show was Emma Hallet-Leyva. I was excited that she chose to have the main characters look and stay true to their cartoon counterpart. I have see this show other times where the costumer hasn't chosen to do this. The costumes were a true win, in my opinion.

The prop master for the show was Elder Jordan Shami, Bentley Jenks, and Colby Nash. Props generally get overlooked by the audience and reviewers. What I loved about the props was that there was the detail of a black line that outlined all of them. It gave the appearance that it was hand drawn and came out of comic. My favorite prop was Sally's coat hanger sculpture. The simpleness of the sculpture was comedic and quite delightful. 

Hiccups:

There was some hiccups with the show. With it being their final rehearsal- there is grace to be given. I know that when they open their tech and band will be ready to go. One of the actors struggled with diction- which made the audience that didn't know the show miss out on some delightful jokes. I was SO excited when Neilson finally picked up a prop that had been left on stage during the previous scene.

Final Impressions:

Being one where the Empress is just around the corner from my house, I love to go see shows there. This show is one that is safe for family members of ALL ages to go see. Yes, there were some hiccups with the show. That's what I love about live theatre. Maybe one of these days I'll meet you at the Empress!

Tickets

(Photo credit: Sunshine Photography)