Stone Soup Theatre Company Delivers a Charming Production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Just about everyone is familiar with the beloved Peanuts characters, created by Charles M. Schulz. Whether it’s from reading the comic strip, watching the television specials, or just seeing the ubiquitous characters, Schulz’s creation has become comforting and familiar for many. And, right now, you can see these characters onstage at the charming theatre venue at the Carolina Friends School. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, as produced by Stone Soup Theatre Company, features a small-but-charming cast; a book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner; additional dialogue by Michael Mayer; and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Under the playful, imaginative direction of Melissa S. Craib Dombrowski, based on original direction by Michael Mayer, six of Schulz’s characters are brought to vivid life. These include a very sweet, very blonde Sally, endearingly portrayed by Sofia Alba, and a very charming, instantly likeable Charlie Brown, played by Chris Kudlick. Alba’s Sally is wonderfully perky, with just the right tinge of brattiness, and Kudlick’s Charlie Brown stands out for his stellar, pleasantly deep singing voice and good-natured-but-gloomy portrayal of the iconic character.

There’s also a precocious, hilarious Linus (Brady Bowman), a wonderfully demanding and dramatic Lucy (Loren Wait), a Schroeder (Reid Bowman) who actually plays the piano, and, of course, a dancing, dynamic Snoopy (Blythe Meyer). Together, this talented cast brings lots of fun and light to the stage, with each staying true to their characters while also adding in some nice touches that are all their own.

Ava Bitsas’ lighting design adds to the charm as pretty lighting effects combine to create a realistic comic strip sky. Plus, John Paul Middlesworth has created painted set pieces that perfectly resemble those seen in Schulz’s drawings. Everything, from the red brick wall where Charlie Brown does his thinking to Snoopy’s bright red dog house and Lucy’s psychiatrist booth, is present and accounted for. There’s also lovely live music, including a flute (Joanna Sisk-Purvis), keyboard (Joanna Sisk-Purvis and Cole Swanson), bass (Jeremy Boomhower), and percussion (Zoë Boomhower), for the classic theme and some funny sound effects.

The script features funny, loosely tied together moments and meanders through many of Charlie Brown and his friends’ adventures. Some of the best scenes include Linus’ floating blanket, Blythe Meyer’s joyful rendition of the “Suppertime” song, and the funny “Book Report” number. You even get to see Charlie Brown zip across the stage on a skateboard.

Stone Soup Theatre Company has proven that this classic little play, which premiered in 1967, can still be just as funny and endearing as when it was first produced. And, right now, everyone can benefit from a little lightheartedness. The production runs through June 22nd, with some performances featuring a youth cast. Tickets and additional show information can be found here.