How daunting is it to bring the classic characters ofYou’re A Good Man, Charlie Brownto the stage?
I have most definitely felt a responsibility to get it right. I’ve always known that before anything else, the production needs to honour Charles Schulz’s work. His canon of work is our first and last reference point. He wrote the Peanuts every single day for 50 years, so there is a vast amount of material for inspiration and answers. I’ve tried to get out of the way and let his characters and his observations lead the way.
What makes Clark Gesner’s musical adaptation a special one for you?
I think that Gesner’s score is the perfect companion to Schulz’s characters. The score is bright and fun with jazz references, but also a deep sense of longing and beautiful melancholy at times. The show is essentially a series of vignettes, or comic strip scenes, that add up to show a day in the life of Charlie Brown.
Certain stories from our childhood never really leave us. Are you hoping to inspire nostalgia in the audience?
Without a doubt. For those that remember the cartoons obviously, but also for anyone that has dealt with feelings on loneliness, unrequited love and flying kites. It’s all stuff that everyone can relate to.
How will the musical appeal to younger audiences of the current generation, who might not be as familiar with the Peanuts as the rest of us?
The characters are so endearing – and funny! The show moves very quickly, and is constantly engaging. There was The Peanuts Movie released this past Christmas and there does seem to be a universal, timeless love of these characters. How can you not love Snoopy?
How challenging has it been for the cast to bring these characters to life?
I always knew that this show would sink or swim on the casting of the show. I needed to find six comedic actors that had the essence of Schulz’s creations. I am thrilled with our cast – all of them are hilarious and each of them naturally possesses the right qualities for the roles they play.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown runsTuesday July 5 – Saturday July 30 atHayes Theatre Co.
