Review: Find Peanuts and a New Philosophy in CenterPoint Legacy's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Longing for laughter, drama and the nostalgia of childhood? Well, good grief. And good news!

CenterPoint Legacy Theatre has it all in the family-friendly show, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, directed by Josh Richardson.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, (Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner) is based on the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles M. Schulz.

With six incredibly talented cast members and a simple, yet magical set designed by Brian Hahn, it's hard not to feel like a kid again watching this show in the Leishman Performance Hall at CenterPoint.

Adults and children alike were enthralled with the world of Charlie Brown, played by Jake Heywood, his sister Sally, played by Emily Woods, and their friends Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and Snoopy, played by Kimberly Bishop, Kurt Christensen, Jeffrey Black and Dale Boam, respectively.

In this production, several short, humorous comic-strip-like scenes break up the bigger story line and musical numbers devoted to finding happiness in friendship, family, and life.

Children in the crowd were entranced by the "magical" dancing blanket in Linus' big number, "My Blanket and Me." Hearing the small voice in the audience exclaiming, "How is that happening!?" had several adults in the crowd giggling.

The giggles were continuous throughout the entire show, in fact, as each cast member expertly delivered their equal-parts hilarious and over dramatic lines, in true childlike fashion.

Known especially for her over dramatizations and theatrical outbursts is character Sally Brown, played by Woods. Woods expertly captured the spirit of a know-it-all elementary student seeking attention, while also entertaining the crowd with her stunning vocals.

Heywood was exceptional as the show's title character, Charlie Brown, whose beautiful vocals were as pleasant as his lovable demeanor. On the other hand...nahhh, no other hand here! Just a solid performance from a "good man."

Boam's portrayal of Snoopy was a particular favorite among the kids in the audience, as he captured the essence of Snoopy's sour attitude and delivered a very convincing portrayal of the beloved dog, to everyone's delight.

Black's execution of Schroeder was right on the money-he really had that "hipster before hipsters were cool" vibe going in his passionate concern of over-commercializing his favorite composer, Beethoven, in one of the show's group numbers, "Beethoven Day."

Bishop and Christensen were all-too believable in their roles as big sister Lucy and little brother Linus, both delivering fantastic performances that were reminiscent of the cartoon characters you know and love. Their dynamic personalities really shined and their powerful vocals were a delight.

All six of the show's actors delivered stellar solo vocal performances and also found beautiful harmonies as an ensemble, especially in the show's finale, "Happiness."

If you're looking for a fun feel-good outing for you and your family to kick off the summer, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is a must!

The show is running through Saturday, June 30. For a complete list of show times and to purchase tickets, visit https://centerpointtheatre.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=3197 or call 801-298-1302.

Photo Credit: Pepperfox Photography L-R Kimberly Bishop, Kurt Christensen, Dale Boam, Jeffrey Black, Emily Woods, Jake Heywood

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