You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!

The appeal of the Peanuts comic strips is universal, which explains why the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is performed all over the world by both children and adults. This is my second time working on this show, and I've really come to appreciate the complexity of the humor of Charles Schulz's work. Linus, Schroeder, Lucy, Charlie Brown and all the rest are children who can think like adults, or think they can think like adults, but still need the security of being a child. We've all felt like that; some of us more often than others.

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown started as a musical album before premiering on Broadway in 1967. In 1999, it was revived with Charles Schulz's blessing, and opened to rave reviews. The director of that production, Michael Mayer, added two new songs and the character of Charlie Brown's sister, Sally. The result brought a new life to an old classic. Our version features some additional Peanuts characters as well, and I think you'll find they are a welcomed addition.

Working with these hard working young performers has been amazing. With only two and a half hours a week, they managed to learn songs, choreography and blocking, all the while doing it while having both patience and, I hope, fun.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this show a success: Russ Corie, who helped me out in direction, choregraphy and props; Jo-Ann Birdsall and Danielle Towner, who were willing to help out with anything; Mike Close, who built Schroeder's piano on last minute notice and helped pick up set pieces; and Diana Torres-Koss and Nickie Kerns who donated time and their brilliant musical abilities. Finally, thank you to Michael Boston, Ann Watts and everyone at Starting Arts for your help and support.

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