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You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

By Harriet Scopes
Monday 19th October 2009
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown is a highly charming play that largely relies on the vitality of an ensemble cast and this production certainly had that zeal in spades. Thomas Schratwieser played the title role, and managed to convey the seemingly innate pessimism of Charlie Brown whilst maintaining the energy that is so required in a piece of this type, with cleverly placed glimpses of optimism. Priya Kvam as Lucy was the quintessential american brat, whose natural abilities in singing where accentuated rather than disguised by her affectation of a nasal childish voice. Schroder was played by Ben Wallo, who beautifully encapsulated the tortured prodigy especially in his very comic interactions with the love-lorn Lucy. Daniel Mintz as Linus displayed his excellent comedic timing throughout the play, accenting the scenes with marvellously astute on-liners delivered with a charming lisp. Hannah Yellop who played Sally was wonderfully childlike, which made a humorous contrast with her stunning bluesy vocals. Snoopy, played by Anne Barlow was a constant joy to observe on stage, due to her terrific skill for physical comedy and her ever active facial expressions. Alanya Noquet and Catriona Bowman, as Woodstock and friends, set the stage and added to the physical humour and visual appeal f the play. The direction by Alex Howarth and Alice Jones complemented the actors’ great abilities and captured the youthful exuberance of Charlie Brown’s world. The musical direction was beautiful in its own right, but taking into account that Robert Glenny only had two weeks rehearsal time with the singers, makes the results even more stunning. The music was complemented by John Nicoll's delightful dance direction. Will Moore’s set design captured the spirit of the cartoon and testified to Moore’s brilliant artistic talent. The orchestra's accompaniment added to the spirit of the play and enhanced the consistently accomplished voices of the cast. Overall Charlie Brown the Musical was an attestation to the skill and commitment of all involved and lead to a thoroughly enjoyable production for both cast and audience.