2008 Woodie Awards
'A good man' makes for a mediocre play
Sarah Gunner
Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: Entertainment
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Charlie Brown is an icon in American culture. The cartoon strip and television shows such as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" are revered by many, both young and old. The Marist College Council on Theatre Arts attempted to capitalize on this by producing the Tony Award-winning musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on Feb. 27, 28, and 29. While at times the play was funny and heartfelt, it was often tedious to watch and difficult to devote full attention to. Often the play seemed to be more appropriate for a group of five year-old children than an auditorium of college age students and adults.
Containing a total of 14 musical numbers, the play began with Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Marcie, and Pigpen singing the title song, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Interspersed between each of the 14 songs, the cast performed a series of tiny vignettes dealing with themes such as rabbit hunting, Snoopy flying after the Red Baron, and Charlie Brown longing after a certain red-haired girl. At first amusing, the vignettes quickly lost their appeal as Lucy screeched a bit too loud, Sally acted slightly too martyred and Charlie Brown became a little too pathetic.
At the beginning, the cast's voices nicely melded together in harmony. Whenever the cast sang in full company, the effect was pleasant and enjoyable. However, many of the actor's voices did not hold up especially well on their own. Schroeder was particularly difficult to understand and seemed to slur his words together on numerous occasions.
The choreography was basic and for the most part well executed. The best part of the dancing was the tap numbers, principally the one performed by Dan Matos as Linus in "My Blanket and Me." The upbeat, slightly jazzy number, "My Blanket and Me" was a highpoint in the musical that came in the middle of the first act, bringing the play back into focus after two mediocre songs.
Directly before the last song of the first act came the only truly funny vignette, in which Sally and Snoopy attempt to catch a rabbit and run across the stage in slow motion, making hilarious facial expressions and movements. This led directly into "The Book Report," a song about writing a report on Peter Rabbit. Performed by all but Sally and Snoopy, it was well-sung but lacked any emotion or substance that could have made it much more entertaining.
Containing a total of 14 musical numbers, the play began with Sally, Lucy, Schroeder, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Marcie, and Pigpen singing the title song, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Interspersed between each of the 14 songs, the cast performed a series of tiny vignettes dealing with themes such as rabbit hunting, Snoopy flying after the Red Baron, and Charlie Brown longing after a certain red-haired girl. At first amusing, the vignettes quickly lost their appeal as Lucy screeched a bit too loud, Sally acted slightly too martyred and Charlie Brown became a little too pathetic.
At the beginning, the cast's voices nicely melded together in harmony. Whenever the cast sang in full company, the effect was pleasant and enjoyable. However, many of the actor's voices did not hold up especially well on their own. Schroeder was particularly difficult to understand and seemed to slur his words together on numerous occasions.
The choreography was basic and for the most part well executed. The best part of the dancing was the tap numbers, principally the one performed by Dan Matos as Linus in "My Blanket and Me." The upbeat, slightly jazzy number, "My Blanket and Me" was a highpoint in the musical that came in the middle of the first act, bringing the play back into focus after two mediocre songs.
Directly before the last song of the first act came the only truly funny vignette, in which Sally and Snoopy attempt to catch a rabbit and run across the stage in slow motion, making hilarious facial expressions and movements. This led directly into "The Book Report," a song about writing a report on Peter Rabbit. Performed by all but Sally and Snoopy, it was well-sung but lacked any emotion or substance that could have made it much more entertaining.