This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Good Grief! Charlie Brown is Coming to Town

For its last show in its longtime home, Playwrights theater is presenting "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."

On the surface, Charles M. Schulz’ “Peanuts” characters are very simple, consisting of some lines, loops and dots for eyes. But there’s a lot more going on with Charlie Brown, Schroeder, Lucy, Linus and even Snoopy than meets the eye.

They’re philosophical. They face adversities and deal with anxieties—lots of anxieties. Linus can’t function without his blanket, Lucy has anger issues and Charlie Brown frets about almost everything.

As a result, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the 1967 musical by Clark Gesner based on Schulz’ legendary comic strip, is deeper in its themes, humor and music than people might expect.

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The thing about what Charles Schulz did with ‘Peanuts’ is that on one level, he was addressing a younger audience, but the characters themselves had a lot of traits of adults, in how we still behave like children and also that innocence that we’d like to have back,” said John Pietrowski, the artistic director of  in Madison, which is presenting “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” July 21 through July 23.

The show premiered off-Broadway in 1967. It was a huge success and moved to Broadway for about a month in 1971. It had a Broadway revival in 1999 and remains a popular choice among regional and community theaters.

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Playwrights’ production is using the script from the revival, which features two new songs, “My New Philosophy” (sung by Kristin Chenoweth as Sally on Broadway) and Schroeder’s number, “Beethoven Day.”

The Playwrights Theatre presentation is a joint production between the theater and the Madison Recreation Department. Despite the age of its characters, the show typically stars adult actors, and this cast will consist of performers in their teens.

“They’re older kids, they’re through being 5 and 6, they’re so far away from it,” said director Danielle Constance. “They see the humor and the sweetness and a little bit of sadness. Especially because three of them just graduated from high school in June, I think it’s even more touching than they thought it was going to be.”

“When we first proposed it, they were a little worried that it was going to be a kids show,” Pietrowski sid. “And we said, ‘No, no, no, not really.’ And what they’re finding out is that the music is complicated and interesting and the characters are complicated and interesting and it’s not as easy to do as one might think.”

The show is essentially a series of vignettes that explore the characters. Charlie Brown longs for the Little Red Headed Girl; Lucy expresses her love for Schroeder, who’s more interested in his piano; Linus overcomplicates things; and Snoopy embarks on Walter Mitty-like daydreams.

Music director Jane Keitel said the show’s songs are more complicated (though accessible) than one might expect, incorporating fugues where characters sing different lines while still harmonizing and referencing everything from Beethoven to “Home on the Range.”

“It’s artistically parallel to what I think Charles Schulz did with these characters,” Keitel said. “The 6-year-olds are philosophical. You have these kids discussing worldly, political, psychological and complicated issues. And the music reflects that. It’s lot more complicated music and these young people are singing it.”

One of those young people is Alex Post, who is playing Schroeder. Post is 18 years old and just graduated from . He’s going to County College of Morris to study music technology and music recording. He said that while he wasn’t familiar with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” before this production, he’s read “Peanuts” his entire life so he was familiar with Schroeder and able to figure out how to play the 6-year-old who makes magic with a toy piano.

“I can bring out my inner kid in my actions,” Post said. “You don’t have to be real sophisticated with your movements. There’s choreography and dancing, but it’s more lively than most musicals. It brings out the inner kid.”

Post plays drums and sings and has recently stared playing piano, which helps with playing Schroeder.

“He’s a musician with a short fuse,” Post said. Of the musical itself, the actor said, “It’s an oldie but goodie. I liked it when I found it and listened to a little, it’s a real fun show.”

Keitel, who is a teaching artist for Playwrights Theatre and has worked on the theater’s main stage productions, said the young cast is rising to the challenges of the music.

“I might be wrong, but I think they were surprised at the sophistication of the score,” she said.

She also said the music is in the spirit of Schulz’ comic strip.

"The people who wrote this were meant to be the writers of it," she said. "I think they stayed really true to Charles Schulz’ vision. Especially right now, with our economy, this is a happy musical."

Even though “Peanuts” in its original form is a printed, visual work, Schulz made various references to music in the strip, which made it ripe for a musical adaptation, much more so than another comic that’s currently on Broadway.

“Printed material, whether it’s visual, like a cartoon, or a novel or something doesn’t always work [on stage],” Keitel said. “I haven’t seen ‘Spider-Man,’ but from what I heard, the execution was not as organic as this one.”

There is a bittersweet element to the production as it will be the last at Playwrights Theatre’s current location at the Green Village Road School. The property is owned by the board of education, which is putting it up for sale.

Playwrights’ work will go on. Its fall production, “The Last Days of Mickey & Jean” by Richard Dresser will be staged at the  in Morris Township, and a play-reading series will be held at .

Pietrowski said the theater isn’t ready to announce its long-term plans, but said he expect Playwrights to remain in Madison.

It’s also fitting that the last show at the school will feature young performers, since Playwrights focuses largely on education. Pietrowski said Playwrights’ first presentation there was the Young Playwrights Festival, so there’s symmetry in having young performers close out the space.

And they’re doing it with beloved characters. Constance loved the “Peanuts” strips and remembers being at church the day after Schulz died. Schulz had announced the end of his 50-year strip weeks earlier, and died the day before the last strip ran.

As Constance left church that morning, the organist played “Linus and Lucy,” the famous instrumental theme to the “Peanuts” television specials.

“There was not a dry eye in the room,” she said. “These characters that he made up from his own persona and his life touched a lot of people. And they don’t always realize it until they see them come to life by these actors on stage.”

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be performed at Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village Road, Madison, July 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and July 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10, $5 students/children. For tickets and information, go to PTNJ.org or call 973-514-1787.

ON STAGE SCOOP

The Mayo Center tickets on Sale: Tickets for ’s 2011-12 season are on sale now. The schedule includes KD Lang on Sept. 22, Diana Ross on Oct. 2, Willie Nelson on Oct. 27, Tracy Mogan on Oct. 29, Larry King on Nov. 11, Joan Baez on Nov. 16 and Chicago on Nov. 25. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information about the entire season, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Chatham Community Players Announce 2011-12 Season: Tracey Letts’ “Bug” will kick off  new season with a run starting Oct. 14 and continuing through Oct. 29. The play from the writer of “August: Osage County” follows a middle-aged waitress with a terrible past and a Gulf War veteran who enters her life. Next up is Frank Galati’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath,” March 2 through 17. The season will conclude with a run of the classic musical “Cabaret” May 4 through 19. For more information, go to ChathamPlayers.org.

Summer Wine Tasting at Growing Stage: The Growing Stage Board of Trustees is sponsoring a special wine-tasting on July 16 at 6 p.m. at the theater located at 7 Ledgewood Ave. in Netcong. The cost is $50 per person. If you would like to attend, download an application here , print it out and mail it in. For information, call 973-347-4946.

Picnics and Plays:  will present its annual free Picnic Series, featuring performances by The theater’s prestigious touring troupe, the Next Stage Ensemble, on July 16 and Aug. 6.  Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost” will be presented on July 16, at 5:30 p.m. and Molière’s Tartuffe will be staged on Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Picnic Series performances are held on the lawn outside the , 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road) in Madison. Performances of The Picnic Series are free of charge and patrons are invited to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. In the event of rain, the performance will be held in an indoor venue. For more information, visit ShakespeareNJ.org or call 973-408-5600.

Don’t Stifle Your Laughter During “T.V. Classics” Meathead: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is performing “T.V. Classics Live on Stage” through July 16. Relive the great comedy sketches of “The Carol Burnett Show” and hilarious scenes from “All in the Family” live on stage. Performances are Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations and information. The theater’s website is PaxAmicus.com.

Relatively Speaking: The Chester Theatre Group is offering the musical “Grey Gardens” at the Black River Playhouse through July 24. The show is partly based on a documentary by Albert and David Maysels about an aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who became recluses, living in a mansion with stray animals. The theater is located at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For information, go to ChesterTheatreGroup.org or call 908-879-7304.

Merry Wanderers of the Night:  is presenting its annual outdoor show, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” through July 31. Performances are at the Greek amphitheater at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township. The theater promotes the 90-minute production as being perfect for children and families of all ages. For tickets and information, call 973-408-5600 or go to ShakespeareNJ.org.

Get Outside and Hear the Music: , the Arts Council of the Morris Area and the United Methodist Church present their second annual Music Without Borders free summer outdoor lunchtime concert series on the Morristown Green. The series runs every other Wednesday through Aug. 3. Concerts run from noon to 1:30 p.m. July 20 will feature a concert by Music From China, a chamber ensemble that performs repertoire from traditional and contemporary Chinese musical styles. Go to MayoArts.org for more information.

Arabian Nights (and some matinees): Brundage Park Playhouse is staging “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” at its playhouse on Carrell Road in Randolph through July 23. The show is based on the classic Disney film and is the Playhouse’s By Kids For Kids production for this summer. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is an additional 8 p.m. performance on Thursday, July 14. For tickets and information, call 973-989-7092 or go to BrundageParkPlayouse.org.

Audition Alert, “Once Upon a Time:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is hosting auditions for “Once Upon a Time” July 13 at 7 p.m. and July 16 at 1 p.m. The show consists of three musical fairy tales from Hans Christian Andersen. Adult and teen performers are sought. Performance dates are Sept. 10 through 24. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com for more information.

If the Slipper Fits: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is presenting “Cinderella” through July 23. Performances are scheduled for the following dates: July 12 and 14 at 10 a.m., July 20 through 22 at 10 a.m.; and July 23 at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12. Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is located at 23 Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. For information, call 973-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

A “Cicurious” Route: Circus and illusion are coming to Morristown when Circurious takes stage at on July 20 at 10:30 a.m.. The Mayo’s website describes the act as a “mesmerizing, mind-boggling display of artistry and athleticism, featuring circus aerialists and an illusionist who will dazzle and delight children and adults of all ages!” The performance will include three performers: Two aerialists and an MC/illusionist/magicians. Tickets cost $10. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Greek Tragedy:  is presenting Shakespeare’s rarely produced “Timon of Athens,” through July 24 at the  in Madison. This marks the first time the play has been presented during Bonnie J. Monte’s 21-year tenure as the theater’s artistic director. The 90-minute staging is adapted by Brian B. Crow (who also directs) and blends various theatrical styles to tell the story of Timon and his turn from innocence to despair. Tickets start at $32. For tickets, call 973-408-5600, go to ShakespeareNJ.org or e-mail boxoffice@shakespearenj.org.

Caustic Comedy: Denis Leary will brings his opinionated comedy style to  on July 13 at 8 p.m. Leary’s official bio calls him a “five-time loser at the Academy Of Television Arts and Sciences’ annual Emmy Awards.” His nomination came for his work on “Rescue Me.” He’s also been nominated for a Golden Globe. He is the author of the book, “Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid.” Tickets cost $78 to $126. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Everybody Cut: Ridge Light Opera of New Jersey and the Bernards Township Department of Recreation are presenting “Footloose” at the outdoor amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Park on Valley Road, July 14, 15, 16, 21 and 23 with performances starting at 8 p.m. Admission is free, donations are accepted. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Call 908-204-3003 for information.

Audition Alert, Musicals at the Women’s Theater Company: The Women’s Theater Company will hold auditions for the musicals “Romance, Romance” and “The Last Five Years” at the Parsippany Playhouse on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prepare a short song in the style of the musical you are auditioning for and a short monologue. Bring a picture and a resume, stapled together. Rehearsals will be during the day with some nights, 20 hours a week. “Romance, Romance” will be presented in September and October. “The Last Five Years” will be staged in March of 2012. The Playhouse is located at 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha. E-mail info@womenstheater.org for an appointment.

Comedy Showcase: Dover Little Theatre will present its Comedy Showcase July 15 and 16. Tickets cost $15 for this fundraiser for the Dover Little Theatre Building Fund. Call the box office at 973-328-9202 for tickets.

Audition Alert, “All My Sons:” The Barn Theatre in Montville will hold auditions for Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” on July 17 and 18, 7 to 10 p.m. For information, call 973-334-9320 or go to BarnTheatre.org.

Audition Alert, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged):" Dover Little Theatre is holding auditions for Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield’s “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" on July 17 at 6 p.m. and July 18 at 7 p.m. Callbacks are schedule for July 20 at 7 p.m. The irreverent comedy is a fast-paced romp through all of the Bard’s plays — in 97 minutes. Performances are Sept. 10 through 24. Auditions are open to everyone. Those auditioning are asked to familiarize themselves with the script ahead of time if possible. Any questions or for directions please call the theatre at 973-328-9202. A character breakdown can be found here.

Audition Alert, “The Wars of the Roses: Henry VI, Part I:” The Shakespeare Initiative will hold auditions for its production of “The Wars of the Roses: Henry VI, Part I” at Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph on July 18 and 20, 7 to 9 p.m. The play charts the origins of the bloody Wars of the Roses, and features the young Shakespeare’s portrayal of Joan of Arc. Auditioners are requested to prepare a Shakespearean monologue (it doesn’t have to be memorized). Since the production will be quite physical, a movement/stage combat section to the audition will also be conducted. Auditioners should bring a headshot/snapshot (if available) and a theatrical resume. Appointments are not required. Auditioners should also be familiar with Shakespeare’s “Henry VI” cycle. Performances are Sept. 30 through Oct. 9. Auditions will be held at the Brundage Park Playhouse, Carrell Road, Randolph. A proposed character breakdown can be found here. For more information, e-mail to director@theshakespeareinitiative.org.

An Adventure for the Kids: Crabgrass Puppet Theatre will present its adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Jaberwocky” at  on July 20 with performances scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aimed for kids ages 5 to 10, the story shares the tale of a boy who goes on a quest for the legendary creature, the Jabberwock. Crabgrass Puppet Theatre describes the staging as a “fabulous and funny adventure tale filled with stunning puppets and fantastical scenery.” Tickets cost $12. For tickets and information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Continuing the Outlaw Tradition: Travis Tritt will mix the sounds of Southern rock and honky tonk to  on July 21 for an 8 p.m. concert. Following influences like Waylon Jennings, Tritt’s hits include “Help Me Hold,” “Can I Trust You With My Heart” and “Foolish Pride.” Tickets cost $42-$87. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Ready for an Adventure? Then go see "Tom Sawyer:"  will stage  a musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” starting July 22 through Aug. 7. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets cost $12. For information, call 908-369-7469 or go to SVPTheatre.org.

Clap Your Hands If You Believe: Young Performers Theatre Company will present a non-musical version of “Peter Pan” at the Darress Theatre, 615 Main St., on July 22 at 8 p.m. and July 23 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Call 973-334-9292 for more information.

Open Mic Nights at the Darress Theatre: The Morris County Center for the Arts at the Darress Theatre will be experimenting with regularly scheduled open mic nights at the theater. The first event is scheduled for July 28, 8-10 p.m. There will be a $10 admission charge, which will be refunded to anyone who performs during the evening. The host for these events will be Tommy Mahoney. Mahoney has been a member of the The Folk Project since 2005 and is an active volunteer with the Minstrel concert series. If there is enough interest in these open mic events, they will be held twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays. The Darress Theatre is located at 615 Main St., Boonton. For more information, call 973-334-9292 or go to DarressTheater.com.

Here’s a Headline, Jay Leno’s Coming to the Mayo Center: Tickets for Jay Leno’s Aug. 26 concert at the  are on sale now. Tickets cost $110 to $150. The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Got news for On Stage? E-mail Louis@Patch.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?