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NAU's 'Charlie Brown' buzzes with classic characters

By LUKE REYNOLDS
Special to the Sun
Sunday, March 30, 2008

Snoopy has become an ingrained image for many in our culture, whether we see him in the Sunday comics or as a logo for MetLife.

The NAU theater department now brings him -- along with all his friends -- to the stage in what promises to be a fun-filled night of dance, song and spirit in their production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Directed by student Shelby Brimhall, the entire production is student-led, including all of the cast and crew. The show guarantees to delight with an energetic crew that thrives on its intense responsibility and initiative.

Originally written for the stage as a musical by Clark Gesner, the show will feature Charlie, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally and Snoopy in all their original grandeur.

While full of choreographed dance moves and musical numbers, there will also be live accompaniment on piano by Mary Plante, on percussion by Emily Kuckuk, on bass by Mac Adee and on violin by Sergei Arias.

CONTAGIOUS BUZZ

The buzz is contagious among director Brimhall and her cast and crew.

She shares that, "The entire production has been put together by students, and it's really empowering to see the type of creativity that can come from working with my peers. I don't think there have really been any lows."

Such a sentiment uniquely fits the theme of the "Charlie Brown" musical experience. Designed to carry the light-hearted, good-humored nature of Charles Schultz's original comic strip, the musical also contains important undertones of hope and overcoming adversity.

No matter how often Charlie and his friends may fail, the lesson is clear that it is always important to try yet again.

Brimhall says that for her, this production is especially significant. Nine years ago, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" was the first musical in which Brimhall performed, and now her work in theater has come full circle in a way, as she directs the production which gave her a start.

"The show already held a special place in my heart," Brimhall concludes, and reiterates the importance of not giving up: "Eventually, if you put your heart into it, you're going to kick that football, or get the kite to fly."

Or, in Brimhall's situation, direct that musical.

ONE FOR DAD

Musicals incorporate a variety of elements that straight play-productions often can ignore. The preparation for "Charlie Brown" involved a painstaking and effortful process in which the cast had to not only learn their lines and cues, but also harness the "physicality of dance work, and the constant vocal work," Brimhall says.

But she is proud of her cast, and of the pride they feel in knowing their show is entirely f their own accord: Student created and student performed.

If you are looking for a night of laughter, nostalgia, engaging songs and dance routines, the NAU theater is the place to be. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" promises to give the audience a healthy dose of all of the above, as well as a few good lessons to tuck away.

Especially an exciting opportunity for families, Director Brimhall says -- in a fitting way for this show -- "This one is for my dad."

If you go...

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

NAU Theatre production

Directed by Shelby Brimhal

Performances Tuesday through Sunday, April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, at 8 p.m.

with matinees Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, at 2 p.m.

Studio Theatre, NAU campus

Tickets are $11 for general admission, $10 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and

$8 for students and children

Call the NAU Central Ticket Office at 523-5661,

or go to www4.nau.edu/cto.

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