You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, music, book and lyrics by Clark Gesner after Charles M. Schultz
Directed by Lisa Thomas
Auditions: Sunday 8th May at 6pm, Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th May at 8pm
Performances: Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th September 2011, Bell Theatre
Based on the beloved Peanuts cartoon strip, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown opened in New York on 7 March, 1967, and played for 1,597 performances. A new revival – the version that we are presenting – was performed on Broadway in 1999 and played for 149 performances at the Ambassador Theatre.
The show is based on an average day in the life of everyman, character Charlie Brown, consisting of small moments picked from a range of situations in his life, from Valentine's Day to the baseball season, from wild optimism to utter despair, all mixed in with the lives of his friends (both human and non-human) and strung together on the string of a single day, from bright uncertain morning to hopeful starlit evening.
It’s a great distillation of Schulz’s unique ability to present adult concerns through the eyes of children and perfectly captures the nature of his characters. The music is at times quite challenging so although the actors don’t need to be superb singers they need to be at home with singing in harmony.
Songs
Act I
Opening/You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown – Company
Schroeder – Lucy (sung over Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata")
Snoopy – Snoopy
My Blanket and Me – Linus with Company
The Kite – Charlie Brown
The Doctor is In (Dr. Lucy) – Lucy and Charlie Brown
Beethoven Day – Schroeder with Company
The Book Report – Company
Act II
The Red Baron – Snoopy
My New Philosophy – Sally and Schroeder
T-E-A-M (The Baseball Game) – Charlie Brown with Company
Glee Club Rehearsal – Company (sung over "Home on the Range")
Little Known Facts – Lucy with Linus and Charlie Brown
Suppertime – Snoopy
Happiness – Company
Bows – Company (includes a partial reprise of "Happiness," and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown")
Characters and vocal range
Charlie Brown Tenor. Everyman character. Very uncertain of himself, always worrying.
Lucy van Pelt Mezzo-soprano. A woman of substance. Knows she is always right. A ball-breaker in a 6-year-old’s body.
Linus van Pelt Baritone/tenor. Laid-back, dedicated to his blanket, but very much his own man.
Schroeder Tenor. The pianist. Somewhat obsessive. Adored by Lucy.
Sally Brown Soprano. Charlie Brown’s sister.
Snoopy Multiple ranges. The coolest dog in the world. Has Germanic aeronautical fantasies. Must be an excellent dancer.
For more details, please contact Lisa Thomas, Director
Please note that although anyone may audition for a show at the South London Theatre, if cast you must be (or become) a member of the club. Proof of membership will be required at the first rehearsal. Membership information can be found here
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