Review: CK Production's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

CK Productions' latest, Tony nominee You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is a really cute production. Based on the characters created by Charles M. Schulz in his iconic comic strip Peanuts, this fun musical, created by Clark Gesner, was actually originally done in 1967. This incarnation, however, is a replication of the 1999 revival.

Running through March 31st at CK's Richie Applebaum Theatre in Ronkonkoma, Long Island, this production, directed by Ashley Iadanza, is being shown in rep with another show featuring our favorite blockhead Dog Sees God which begins this weekend and runs through April 1st. The tale, set a few years later, is the same... Charlie Brown is discounting himself when the gang is finally praising him, Lucy wants to be the queen of everything and she confesses that she has a crush on Schroeder, Linus still has his trusty blanket... you get the idea.

Matt Lightsey is superb as Charlie Brown. It seems that charm and the right amount of self-depreciation are key for this role and Mr. Lightsey blends and exudes these seamlessly. Charlie's adversary, Lucy, is portrayed strongly by Catherine Sweeney. Ms. Sweeney is hilariously spot on with Lucy's sassy tone and left the audience in stiches with her scenes with John Bradley who portrays Schroeder. Additionally, super-talent Vinny Donnadio brings roars of laughter as Lucy's little brother, Linus (as well as serving as the show's Musical Director). In particular, his rendition of "My Blanket And Me" is absolutely priceless. CK staple Sydnee LaBuda adorably portrays Sally (Charlie Brown's sister) and rounding out the cast as Snoopy is CK Artistic Director Ethan Felizzari.

As for Ms. Iadanza's top-notch creative team, she and Mr. Donnadio are also choreographers for the production. The delightful and playful staging make this an extra fun show. Fans of the gang will also appreciate the costumes; each has their own signature style (Charlie Brown's yellow shirt, Lucy's blue dress, ext). Despite some minor, typical opening night technical hiccups, the show went off without a hitch.

And so, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is indeed another hit for CK Productions. A first-rate cast and entertaining show make for a lovely night of theatre.

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You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is presented by CK Productions at The Richie Applebaum Theatre located in Ronkonkoma on Long Island. Performances are March 11th @ 7pm, March 12th @ 2pm, March 13th @ 10:30am, March 15th @ 12:30pm, March 26th @ 2pm, March 29th @ 6:30pm, and March 31st @ 7pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 496-9626 or visit www.ckproductionsnewyork.com.

Created by Clark Gesner, Produced by Ethan Felizzari, Directed by Ashley Iadanza, Musical Direction by Vinny Donnadio, Choreography by Ashley Iadanza & Vinny Donnadio, Stage Manager by Joshua Bieling,

Starring Matt Lightsey, Catherine Sweeney, Vinny Donnadio, Sydnee LaBuda, John Bradley, and Ethan Felizzari with Terrence Sheldon and Autumn Manes