Review: Stray Dog Theatre's Cute Production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, had the ability to communicate tiny bits of wisdom and insight in the space of three panels (six panels in the Sunday funnies) of rudimentary art. And, while most of his colleagues would head straight for a punchline, Schulz tended to take a more philosophical approach. The musical adaptation, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, originally written by Clark Gesner, and subsequently revised by Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa, attempts to capture the essence of Schulz's work, but even as an introduction to the characters, the results are mixed at best. Stray Dog Theatre continues their current season with a charming production of this uneven musical, that's engaging and enjoyable more often than not.

Lacking any real plot, other than Charlie Brown's search to find the reason he's considered a "good man", the script merely strings together familiar gags and elements from the comic strip with pleasant, though largely forgettable, musical interludes. You'll find the bright yellow psychiatrist booth, with a single coin's worth of advice available when the doctor is in, and you'll also see Snoopy's familiar red doghouse/Sopwith Camel.

James Cougar Canfield gives an enthusiastic performance as Charlie Brown, and he provides good vocals throughout the evening, but especially during the one truly memorable song from the score, "Happiness." Canfield plays the part of the chronic underachiever and worry wart broadly, and with a spark of intensity beneath the surface.

Chrissy Brooks amuses as Charlie's kid sister, Sally. This is a character added during the 1999 revival, and her comedic blackouts are definitely a highlight. But, in the process of making her part so prominent the writers have stolen some of the focus from the main character. Brooks impresses with her sassy delivery during the loopy act two number, "My New Philosophy."

Marcy Wiegert is perfect as Lucy, with her overbearing behavior and brash attitude, and she shines on "Little Known Facts," harassing the other characters while making them take a survey regarding their "honest" opinion of her. C.E.Fifer is neatly understated as her blanket dependent brother, Linus; a complex combination of innocence and intellect.

As obsessed pianist Schroeder, Mark Saunders takes an energetic and playful approach that's of particular benefit to the upbeat tune, "Beethoven Day." This song finds his character pondering the notion of the composer's birthday being designated as a national holiday. Ben Watts has fun as Snoopy, kicking up his heels during the amusing ode to food, "Suppertime."

Director Gary Bell does fine work here, keeping the pace moving along at a good clip, which fits the nature of this comedic material especially well. JT Ricroft's choreography does a nice job of complementing the action. Vocal Director Leslie Sikes does very good work with the cast, and the group vocals are balanced and clearly audible over the recorded backing tracks. Tyler Duenow's lighting is up to his usual high standards for the most part, but there are a couple of instances where characters were left in the dark, although that could have been the result of a missed cue.

Stray Dog Theatre's cute production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown continues through April 9, 2011.

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