Charlie Brown steps up to the plate and strikes out — repeatedly.
The audience still cheers him on.
For that reason and more, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, is one of director Damon Fultz’s favourite productions of all time.
The well-loved stage musical is coming to G.W. Graham Theatre April 3-6, with memorable characters and a larger than life set in primary colours.
There’s Lucas Simpson as Charlie Brown, Brittany Clough as Lucy, Rocky Riobo as Snoopy, and Blake Pyne in the role of Linus.
Fultz has directed this Charlie Brown show three times and performed it a couple of times as well.
“One of the rules of doing a show like this is you have to find the reality of the characters. They have to be real and not cartoonish, that’s the key.”
The Charlie Brown stage musical was written in 1967, but it still holds up exceptionally well.
“I think it’s because he’s such a lovable loser. Bad things will happen to him and all we do is root for him.
“I think there is a little bit of Charlie Brown in all of us,” Fultz says.
Seventeen-year-old Lucas Simpson says Charlie Brown is the character he can relate to the most.
“I am Charlie Brown!” he says laughing. “He’s just very down to earth and very honest with himself.”
It’s a perfect musical for kids of all ages, including grownups.
“People should come see it, either because it’s a funny and clever show, or because it’s nostalgic for people who grew up with Charlie Brown.”
Rocky Riobo is looking forward to going “a little over the top” with her dramatic performance as Snoopy.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” she says. “Snoopy is the most beloved character.”
It’s physically demanding, with lots of singing and dancing, and in one scene Snoopy is chasing a rabbit.
“Of course Snoopy doesn’t talk. But I get to speak his lines when no one else is on stage, so the audience gets to hear his thoughts.”
The show is being presented as the annual Children’s Theatre project, with hundreds of Chilliwack students from local schools expected to take in the production next week.
“It’s a style of theatre specifically designed for children,” says Fultz.
“The pace is quick, there are colourful characters and usually a message. The message here is to be comfortable with who you are.
“It’s okay to be Charlie Brown because he never gives up.”
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, April 3-5, 7 p.m. at G.W. Graham Theatre, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 adults and $5 for children at the school or Save-On Foods, (for every family buying tickets, one child gets in free).
