CLASSIC CHARLEY AND HIS QUEST FOR
THE RED HEAD, IS SMART AND FUNNY
at BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE
“Peanuts” comic strip was one of the iconic creations of the 20th century. And while you can’t say the same for the 1967 musical based on that comic, the Berkeley Playhouse production appropriates enough charms from Charles M. Schulz’s strips to keep six actors agreeably busy for two hours.
Welcome Charley and his gang to the Berkeley Playhouse stage in a well produced version of the nostalgic musical. The show is a series of comic-strip vignettes tied with some clever musical numbers. And our hero Charlie on a quest for this red haired girl.
Zac Schuman plays Charlie and has that look which is so well known. He keeps the audience in a very cool state of sympathy with his awkwardness and missteps for his red haired crush. His featured number “The Kite” is well done and maintains the boyhood mannerisms that keep the number cute.
Alex Rodriguez is the adorable Snoopy and steals the show with his opening number “Snoopy” and his show stopping second act classic “Suppertime”. Alex brings some amazing charm as an actor in a white jump suit playing the iconic dog. Ashley Cowl is Lucy and is over the top as the little girl as expected. The scene with her in the psychiatrist booth always brings back lots of memories when I read those strips during the heyday of Peanuts.
Harmony Livingston as Sally, the adorable sister of Charlie, is just as funny as Lucy in her innocent but mischievous way. Sally and her coat hanger monologue is very funny and lead into the song “New Philosophies”
Bay Area favorite Kevin Hammond is cast as the thumb sucking Linus and is highlighted in the wonderfully well choreographed “My Blanket and Me”. Director and Choreographer Christina Lazo uses the cast in the number to work the blanket into one of the characters in the song.
Danny Quezada plays a perfect piano loving Schroeder, the Beethoven impresario Lucy loves. Danny delivers his over the top portrayal of the very funny “Beethoven day”.
The Berkeley Playhouse production team is stellar including, Daren A.C. Carollo, artistic director, Chris Lazo, director, Matt Smart, musical director, Debbie Shelly’s oversized props are perfect to duarf the company, Tammy Berlin, costume design, and Mark Hueske, very clever lighting and set design. Clark Gesner original music and book was first designed for a more intimate house, but this show still works well in a larger venue.
As Charlie Brown expresses what makes him happy everyone is touched by his love of life in the closing number “Happiness”. Right then, Charlie realizes that being a "good man" means trying your best and making the most of the things you've been given in life. Lucy walks over and as he reaches out, she shakes his hand firmly, then tells him, "You're a good man, Charlie Brown.”
The Berkeley Playhouse production is well done and sweet. It brings back many fond memories of seeing this show over the years. This is a great cast and will generate a new audience for Mr Brown as you share this comic strip family with your family.
"You're a good man, Charlie Brown.”
Feb 19 - March 15 - The Berkeley Playhouse
Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Directed by Christina Lazo
Tickets http://berkeleyplayhouse.org/charlie-brown
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