That perpetual loser, that hero of the
underdog, that idol of the timid – yes, Charlie Brown – is back
in Brooklyn.
Charlie, who first appeared in Charles Schulz’s "Peanuts"
comic strip, already had fans nationwide when Clark Gesner wrote
the book, music and lyrics for "You’re a Good Man Charlie
Brown," but Gesner’s gentle irony, fine musical ear and
enchanting humor and insight made the Peanuts crew come to life
in a new and vibrant way.
As a tribute to Gesner, a long-time Brooklyn Heights resident
and Gallery Players supporter, the Gallery Players have chosen
to present Gesner’s original (and his preferred) work without
the new arrangements and additional songs given to the 1999 Broadway
revival. As a result, this production has the warm glow of simplicity
and the clear ring of truth.
The play is directed by Matt Schicker and features Christopher
Gleason as Charlie Brown, Jennifer Smiles as Lucy, Dax Valdes
as Linus, Brian Ogilvie as Schroeder, Lauren Allison Spees as
Patty and Nicholas Sattinger as Snoopy.
Although the cast works mostly as an ensemble, the actors so
carefully and completely create their characters that each one
stands out as an individual with his or her well-known ticks
– Charlie’s hesitancy and forlorn trying to please; Lucy’s oblivious
brattiness; Linus’ philosophical resignation and intellectualism;
Snoopy’s ingratiating sycophancy.
Gleason stole this reviewer’s heart with his sweet smile. Valdes
worked wonders with his blanket. Ogilvie made his toy piano feel
grand. And Smiles – well, who couldn’t grin at her chutzpah?
Timothy J. Amrhein’s whimsical set, consisting, for the most
part, of movable pieces and flats, executed with cartoon-like
clarity and painted in bright, enthusiastic colors – Snoopy’s
doghouse, a tree in a park, Lucy’s home – are both reminiscent
of the comic strip and highly theatrical on their own. Amrhein
has also designed under the theory that less means more, leaving
plenty of room for Brian Mulay’s simple but sensational choreography.
"You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" is really a musical
revue powered by a series of vignettes. Thus we see Charlie and
his friends tragically losing a baseball game; writing book reports
(on Peter Rabbit) each in his or her own characteristic way;
and at a glee club rehearsal that they one by one desert.
Charlie tries to fly a kite. Snoopy sings for his supper. Lucy
teaches ridiculous facts: clouds make the wind, snow blows up,
fire hydrants grow up from the ground.
But make no mistake, there’s great wisdom here – from Linus’
comment about his blankie, "It’s foolish, I know it, and
I’ll outgrow it. But meanwhile it’s my blanket and me,"
to Gesner’s "Happiness," which can be whistling, tying
your shoes or "walking hand in hand."
The overwhelming charm of Gesner’s work is not only that adults
are playing children, but that children have the wisdom adults
should – but often don’t – have.
Gesner, the son, grandson and nephew of Unitarian ministers,
knew more than a little about the human heart. And it’s all out
there on stage at the Gallery Players – in words, dance and song.
The Gallery Players production of "You’re
a Good Man Charlie Brown" plays through Feb. 1, Thursdays
through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $15,
$12 seniors and children under 12. The Gallery Players are located
at 199 14th St., between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope.
For reservations, call (718) 595-0547.
