Pumpkin Theatre You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
By Jennifer Gusso • Jun 20th, 2012 • Category: ReviewsPumpkin Theatre
St. Timothy’s School, Stevenson, MD
Through June 24th
1:00 without intermission
$13-$15
Reviewed June 17th, 2012
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a compilation of skits based on the famous comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It is infused with fun numbers that are true to the characters through delightful music and lyrics written by Clark M. Gesner. Since it is just a series of vignettes without a real through storyline, it is easily truncated into Pumpkin Theatre’s hour-long production. They manage to pack that hour full of laughter and show-stopping numbers.
Every detail in the production is quality: sets, costumes, lights, and props. They do an excellent job of having the original comic strip leap off the pages into a 3-D experience. The cast also really embraces bringing life and heart to the familiar characters.
Dean Davis is delightfully hopeless and yet full of hope as Charlie Brown. Stacey Needle’s Lucy is despicable and loveable. Gary Dieter’s Snoopy is both dog and human. Drew Gaver’s Linus is both childlike and mature. Tammy Crisp’s Sally is a delightful ball of energy. Each performer also brings a powerhouse set of vocals to the score.
Even in this dynamic cast of excellent local performers, there is still one standout. Michael Perrie, Jr is obviously destined for great things. His presence and ease on stage are at a distinctly professional level. He absolutely steals the show with his comedic, over-the-top and yet subtle, real portrayal of Schroeder and vocals, best highlighted in “Beethoven Day,” that are nothing short of perfection.
The only small critique with this show is some problems with the sound system that would cause microphones to briefly stop working throughout the show. This, however, is a minor problem that does not diminish the overall caliber of the production.
Overall, this is not just quality Children’s Theatre; it is quality theatre. Audiences of all ages will delight at this production, so do not be ashamed to show up without a youngster.
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Photos provided by Pumpkin Theatre
Cast of Characters
- Charlie Brown: Dean Davis
- Linus: Drew Gaver
- Lucy: Stacey Needle
- Schroeder: Michael Perrie, Jr
- Sally: Tammy Crisp
- Snoopy: Gary Dieter
Design Team & Crew
- Director/Choreographer*: Jimi Kinstle
- Stage Manager: Heather C. Jackson/Emily Dowdell
- Musical Director: Mark Hanson Williams
- Costume Design: Heather C. Jackson
- Lighting Design: Adrienne Gieszl
- Properties Design: Ally Cribbs
- Set Design: Ryan Michael Haase
- Stage Crew: Seth Glasser, Christian Wilson
- Sound Operator: Kwame Alston
- *Choreography of “Suppertime”: Gary Dieter
Disclaimer: Pumpkin Theatre provided two complimentary media tickets to ShowBizRadio for this review.
This article can be linked to as: http://maryland.showbizradio.com/goto/275.
Jennifer Gusso has been involved in theatre in the state of Maryland and DC for most of her life. She has acted, directed, choreographed, stage managed, and held a million other odd jobs. She has a B.S. in English from Towson University, and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree to become a Reading Specialist. She is a Maryland State Certified English, Theatre, Elementary, and Mathematics Educator. After teaching English and Drama for many years, she now teaches 6th grade Language Arts at Magnolia Middle School in Harford County, Maryland. She wrote the curriculum currently used in Prince George’s County Public Schools for Drama I and Drama II. She now writes and directs plays and musicals for use in church.