Based on the popular comic strip staple, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” takes audiences on a journey with the beloved Peanuts’ characters, notable for being ageless 5-6 year olds, but with the humor, wit, and dialogue of adults. Charlie Brown and his company of friends have been a part of American culture since its debut in 1950-with annual holiday television specials, syndicated "re-runs" of the daily and the Sunday strips, and even a CGI version of the Peanuts gang in the 2015 motion picture. The “Peanuts” comic strip may have ended in the year 2000 along with the retirement and illness of creator Charles M. Schulz, but it is certain that good ol’ Charlie Brown will continue to entertain and delight audiences for many years to come. 
 Told with very little consistent plot, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" is told in a style of vignettes that are strung together, with themes and stories that have been introduced in the illustrated comic strip. I enjoyed seeing each scene by scene vignette, ending in tableau, as if that was the end of the comic strip. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience at the theatre, for my son and I. We are both fans of the Peanuts comic strip, and laughed along together, which is exactly (in my opinion) what the theatre should allow. Not only did it allow us the opportunity to spend time together, but, we also were also taken on the journey of "good ol' Charlie Brown" and the Peanuts gang. 
 Director Beth Allen brought together this small ensemble, who seemed to work well together. Ms. Allen used the intimate space of Amy's Studio of Performing Arts to her advantage. Some audiences might not feel very comfortable in such a small and intimate space, however, I felt that this show was the perfect selection of material to perform in a space of this size. I was afforded the opportunity to be "up close and personal" with the characters, and see facial expressions as if I was experiencing the comic strip right before my eyes.

Pacing seemed to drag and be a bit of an issue on Saturday night, but, I am confident that the production will tighten up as it moves into the next round of performances this weekend.


Musical Direction and the scenic design was done by Kristal Seid. I thought that the ensemble displayed some wonderful musical talents. I was slightly disappointed in the scenic design. I realize there are a great deal of limitations in a small space. However, I do not think the size of the venue was what disappointed me. Upon entering the space, I was immediately taken aback by the black and white comic drawings of the daily comic strip. At first glance, audiences view the very first panel of the “Peanuts” comic strip-with the title, and the depiction of a tangled kite string wrapped around a tree.

Audiences also see the instantly recognizable dog house of Snoopy- also in black and white. It left me a little confused as to why the backgrounds were in black and white and the characters were full of color and life. It was almost as if the two versions of the Peanuts comic strip (the daily and the Sunday edition) were merging together. It did not quite read very clearly to me. My 7-year-old son immediately asked me (upon seeing Snoopy's dog house) "Why isn't it red?" Indeed, it left me a little confused and pondering that question myself. 
 I was also a little confused by the mixture of the music during the preshow and the intermission. I instantly recognized tunes from the Vince Guaraldi Trio. However, there was an apparent mixture of music from “A Boy Named Charlie Brown,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It seemed a little out of place. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to feel in the holiday spirit, or just immersed into the world of the Peanuts’ characters with the original score. The mixture of the material was slightly strange, as it was interwoven with each other. I was glad to hear the sounds of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, though. It has certainly come to be expected as any performance of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, depending on the time of year, of course.


Costumes were designed by Samantha Young. I was very impressed with Ms. Young's attention to detail through the costume design. Each character wore exactly what I would expect them to wear, as if they had jumped out of the comic strip and had to come to life on stage. With characters that are such a part of American culture, and are so iconic, often times I feel like designers can either go two different routes. They can either recreate the wardrobe exactly and evoke a great deal of nostalgia for audiences, or they can opt to take their own creative license and do something totally different. If they choose to take that route, the designer risks the disappointment of the audience, and thereby loses the emotional attachment to these characters. Ms. Young was able to successfully reimagine the clothes of each of these characters-from Charlie Brown's yellow and black chevron polo, to the starchy blue "Lucy" dress, Ms. Young paid great attention to detail and transported the audience directly into the world of the Peanuts.


 Araceli Radillo Bowling was wonderful in the role of bossy, and brash Lucy Van Pelt. Ms. Bowling really brought an element of humor to the production. Ms. Bowling had fantastic facial expressions, and was very animated. It is apparent to me that she spent time researching the animated specials, and reading the comic strip in her approach to portray her character. Ms. Bowling had some nice moments of chemistry on stage with Schroeder (played by Joshua Hahlen) and Charlie Brown (Shawn Gann). Ms. Bowling brought the appropriate bit of reminiscence in her portrayal of Lucy, and overall, was the most amusing and pleasing actor on stage. 
 Another standout was Shawn Gann in the role of loveable, but cheerless Charlie Brown (or “Chuck” as he is often affectionately referred to by Peppermint Patty). Mr. Gann had some nice interactions with the audience (one of my favorite moments is the “Lunchtime” monologue, when he goes back and forth wondering if the object of his affection (the little red haired girl) is noticing him sitting all alone of the bench. His nervousness gets the better of him, and he spends the rest of the lunch period with a paper sack over his head-lamenting if she is noticing him or not. Mr. Gann played Charlie Brown with a nice mixture of humor, sadness and disappointment. It was entertaining to see his interactions with friends, dog Snoopy, and with his sister, Sally. Mr. Gann’s performance was an accurate depiction of the character created by Charles Schulz all those years ago. Completing the principle ensemble was Jacey Lett (as Sally), John Pfaffenberger (Linus Van Pelt) and the enthusiastic and energetic Kiba Walker as Snoopy, the personified pet beagle. Mr. Pfaffenberger convincingly portrayed the younger Van Pelt sibling, Linus. Linus has always been one of my favorite Peanuts’ characters. Linus always seemed the most “adult” to me. His kind words and wisdom were portrayed with loving care by Mr. Pfaffenberger. It was very enjoyable and entertaining for me. Ms. Lett brought a surprising and different approach to the character of Sally. If you are expecting the demure and innocent character quite often portrayed in the television specials, you will be surprised. Ms. Lett played the character very much in the style of Saturday Night Live, or MAD TV. She was over the top, and tried very to make the audience laugh. I am not sure how I felt about that. Like the other Peanuts’ characters, their personalities have been deeply rooted in our culture. It was strange to see Sally portrayed with such over the top comedy and delivery. Overall, the production was fun and enjoyable to watch. I encourage you to get out and support the Resolute Theatre Project’s production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”. You have the opportunity and option to see the Adult Cast, or the Youth Cast perform in this production. It will be a fun walk down memory lane for those that remember Charlie Brown, or those that have never experienced the humor and playfulness of the Peanuts characters.

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
Resolute Theatre Project

Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts, 11888 Marsh Ln. #600 Dallas, Texas 75234

Friday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 pm (Adult Cast)

Saturday, Sept. 9 at 2:30 pm (Youth Cast) and 7:30 pm (Adult Cast)

Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:30pm (Sensory Friendly
Performance) and 7:30 pm (Youth Cast)

For tickets visit: www.ResoluteTheatreProject.com or call: 972-484-7900