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Opening Night for Charlie Brown
Friday, June 27, 2008
By TRISHA VAUGHAN - Bulletin Staff Writer
TheatreWorks of Martinsville and Henry County brought that award-winning musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” to the area Thursday night with a premiere at Patrick Henry Community College’s Walker Fine Arts Center. About 150-200 people attended the opening night.
Based on the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, the play opened on Broadway in 1991. It experienced a Broadway revival in 1999, with two new songs added to the original version.
The play is comprised of scenes that are classic Charlie Brown. From the opening number, in which the characters take turns listing Charlie Brown’s many faults, to his failed attempts at getting the attention of a girl and even through a scene depicting his lousy baseball skills, the play takes a comical route to prove that Charlie Brown really is a good man.
Adding to the cartoon effect, the play features life-size reproductions of signature objects found in the comic, such as Lucy’s psychiatric help stand, Charlie Brown’s mailbox and Linus’ piano. It also features what is perhaps the most recognizable of all “Peanuts” icons: Snoopy’s doghouse.
Beth Toms of Spencer brought her two daughters, Margaret-Anne, 11, and Elizabeth, 6, to the show because she wanted to “expose them to theater,” she said.
The play was “an excellent performance” and the performers bring “a lot of talent” to the stage, Toms said.
The play was “just great,” Elizabeth said, adding that she would like to see it “every night.”
Elizabeth said her favorite part of the production was when Snoopy and Sally went on a bunny-sniffing adventure.
When asked what he thought of the show, 8-year-old Reid Ferrill, who is visiting from Atlanta, said it was “really good.” Reid is the grandson of Ron Ferrill of Martinsville.
The production, directed by Corbin Campbell, stars Ben Hensley as Charlie Brown, Bronwyn Owen-Williams as Linus, Elizabeth Saloma as Lucy, Sam Heffinger as Shroeder, Morgan Barker as Sally and Ainsley Johnston as Snoopy.
What Is TheatreWorks ?TheatreWorks was created by a group of interested members of the community who recognize the potential of Community Theatre and what it could mean for our area:
- Opportunities for young people to use what they have learned in theater and music classes
- Opportunities for area adults to use and showcase their skills and talents in the performing arts
- Opportunities for city and county young people and adults to work together on a positive community project
How Can I Volunteer?
Whatever your theatrical interests are, there's a place for you with TheatreWorks. Acting, singing, dancing, set construction, costumes, props or PR - we need your help! Call Piedmont Arts at 632-3221 or email your volunteer interests with our Contact Us form.
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