You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

By Elyse Trevers

Good grief, could it be that Charlie Brown, that celebrated, insecure little cartoon boy, is really almost fifty? Where have all the years gone? Despite the passage of time, the show that bears his name, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, a musical playing on Broadway, is still as vital and exuberant. True, it's had a bit of a face-lift. Seventeen of the original sketches have been cut; another 21 have been added in their place. There are two new songs in the show which highlight Schroeder and Sally Brown, two well-known characters that didn't have their own songs in the original play.

Charlie Brown has returned to the stage with its familiar characters and familiar relationships. The boys, girls and dog (Snoopy) are sweet and funny, nasty and, naturally, childish. They remind us both of ourselves and every little kid we know. The show, which has been nominated for five Drama Desk Awards, recalls the insecurities and angst of childhood. One woman who looked like a teacher and was sitting in the audience near me, dissecting the show, observed aloud that the characters are obviously stereotypes. Maybe so, but whatever they may represent to some analytical members of the audience, Charlie and his friends are fun for all.

Some of the classic Charlie Brown routines are in the current Broadway play. We see Lucy as a psychiatrist, Snoopy in conflict with the Red Baron, Schroeder at his piano, and Charlie mooning over the redheaded girl. (However, I did miss Lucy yanking the football from a trusting Charlie.)

The ensemble cast is quite talented and bear impressive credentials. Among them is B.D. Wong as Linus, Lucy's blanket-toting little brother. With his thumb firmly planted in his mouth, Wong, who garnered several theatrical awards for his role in M. Butterly, seems to relish this opportunity to play a child.

In the original version, there was no Sally Brown, Charlie's sister; instead, there was Patty. This change, especially as portrayed by the feisty Kristen Chenoweth, proves to be delightful. Chenoweth, pouty in her Shirley Temple curls, is the perfect mixture of spiteful little sister and philosophical little girl. A diminutive actress, she has a big voice and is charming in the role.

As Snoopy, Charlie's erstwhile pal and pup, Roger Bart personifies a dog who takes twenty-minute stretches and thoroughly enjoys himself at mealtime. The children in the audience seem to adore him and would probably like to take him home.

The audience was mostly made up of young people, because the musical is an excellent vehicle for children and provides wonderful exposure and an introduction to Broadway. There are special afternoon and early evening showtimes on Thursday - Saturday to accommodate the needs of youngsters. However, the show seems even better for their parents, many of whom were laughing quite loudly and clearly enjoying themselves. Charlie raises enough philosophical issues to make adults pause to think for a moment, but it has even more comedic, pleasant moments to allow them to escape from their cares for awhile.

Now playing at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City, (219 West 49th Street, 212-239-6200), You're A God Man, Charlie Brown will make you feel like a kid again, no matter what your age. So, isn't it worth a visit?

Elyse Trevers is a theater critic from Long Island, New York.