Review: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Adventure Theatre

The production runs through October 29.

By: Sep. 23, 2023
Review: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Adventure Theatre

Few comic strip characters have become as ingrained in the collective American consciousness as Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" gang. For the latter half of the twentieth century, they were fixtures in the comics section of every major newspaper. In one of the bittersweet coincidences which history periodically bestows upon us, the final, elegaic "Peanuts" strip was published on February 13, 2000, the day after Schulz's death.  The last word:"Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy...how can I ever forget them..."  Indeed, through merchandise, television specials, parade floats, MetLife commercials, it's been pretty much assured that no one can forget them.

Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park's production of the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" features the four characters mentioned in the last strip in addition to Charlie Brown's little sister Sally and musician Schroeder.  It's an opportunity for longtime fans to visit old friends and for a younger generation to get to know the classic characters.

The play lacks a central narrative; rather, it features a series of vignettes focused on the sorts of situations and dilemmas that were typically depicted in the strip. Jimmy Bartlebaugh endearingly portrays the eponymous character as the pertpetually young, hapless but determined blockhead we all remember. He struggles to get his kite to fly and to work up the courage to approach his evergreen (unseen) crush, the Little Red-Headed Girl. Elsewhere, Lucy (Caroline Graham) conducts a study to see how crabby a person she is, runs her five-cent psychiatrist stand, and attempts to woo Schroeder. Linus (Deimoni Brewington) encourages Charlie Brown, fights with his sister Lucy, and clings to his iconic blue security blanket.  Snoopy (Christian Montgomery) signs of his love for supper and enacts shootouts with the Red Baron atop his doghouse. Sally (Julia Lennon) argues about her grade wtih her teacher (represented, as adults always were in the animated specials, with a "wah-wah" sound.) Schroeder (Quincy Vicks) campaigns for Beethoven's birthday to be made a holiday while fending off Lucy's amorous advances.

Directer Kurt Boehm makes the 70-minute runtime a lively romp. Josh Sticklin's set brilliantly recalls the look of the comic strip. Pianist Elisa Rosman, Drummer Jo Huling and wind section Mitch Bassman, Lindsay Williams, and Dana Gardner provide the accompaniment for the many songs. 

"You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" provides a pleasant diversion for all ages. I sat next to a woman who was attending with three young kids, all of whom were enraptured by the goings-on. 

In the lobby, patrons may buy plush Snoopy dolls to support the Montgomery County Humane society.


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Washington, DC

1
Review: SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage Photo
Review: SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

What did our critic think of SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage?

2
Folger Theatre To Expands Reading Room Festival With Slate Of Engaging Programming Photo
Folger Theatre To Expands Reading Room Festival With Slate Of Engaging Programming

Folger Shakespeare Library has announced Folger Theatre's eagerly-awaited second iteration of The Reading Room Festival.

3
Review: THE DRAGON KINGS DAUGHTER at Kennedy Center Photo
Review: THE DRAGON KING'S DAUGHTER at Kennedy Center

With very few exceptions, musical theatre writers that have attempted to write the book, music, and lyrics for their shows do not succeed. Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years is a rare example of one person successfully doing it all.

4
Matthew Scott to Join RAGTIME at Signature Theatre Photo
Matthew Scott to Join RAGTIME at Signature Theatre

Matthew Scott (Broadway’s An American in Paris, Signature’s Company) will join the cast of Signature Theatre's Ragtime in the role of Father. Learn how to purchase tickets!

From This Author - Peter Rouleau

Peter Rouleau is an indie author, college professor, and theater artist who lives in Montgomery County Maryland. His favorite theatrical memories include getting to recite "To Be or Not to Be&quo... Peter Rouleau">(read more about this author)

Videos


Miracle on 34th Street in Washington, DC Miracle on 34th Street
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts (11/22-12/31)
Gerson Lanza in Washington, DC Gerson Lanza
Hylton Performing Arts Center (2/27-2/27)
Fiddler on the Roof in Washington, DC Fiddler on the Roof
Olney Theatre Center (11/08-12/31)
Public Obscenities   in Washington, DC Public Obscenities  
Woolly Mammoth Theatre (11/13-12/23)
Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North in Washington, DC Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North
Center for the Arts at George Mason University (1/27-1/27)
The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity) in Washington, DC The Book of Mormon (Non-Equity)
National Theatre (3/05-3/17)
The Winter's Tale in Washington, DC The Winter's Tale
Catholic University - Hartke Theatre (2/22-2/25)
Swept Away in Washington, DC Swept Away
Arena Stage (11/25-12/30)
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Chopin and Liszt in Washington, DC Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Chopin and Liszt
Center for the Arts at George Mason University (3/03-3/03)
MJ in Washington, DC MJ
The National Theatre (8/13-9/08)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You