Like a worn blanketby the_unlikely_thespian (
as posted on TheaterReview.com)
4.5 out of 5
My daughter and I were fortunate enough to have caught one of the opening weekend performances. First a few general comments and then I'll talk about the actors individually. This is a top-notch handful of performers. I felt that in general, the singing was first rate and the portrayals were delightful. I felt they fit together extraordinarily well as a cast.
The production takes place in a black (purple?) box theater in the Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts in Gwinnett county. I was unsure at first if this venue would be suitable for this production. I have to admit that I had no prior experience with this company and when I walked into the theater, the first impression wasn't the best. But they won me over as soon as the show started. This show is intimate enough that presenting it in that way worked just fine. The lighting was simple but good enough. At no point was I distracted by it. (I'm rarely conscious of lighting unless it is really bad.)
The one negative comment that I feel moved to make regarding the venue concerns the sound. The acoustics in there were less than stellar. There seemed to be some acoustically dead spots on the stage. I know that the performers were projecting plenty because I heard them well enough much of the time. But there were times when the actors' voices got lost in the ambient noise. This was a shame because there was so much good stuff to hear.
The musical accompaniment--piano and drums--was excellent.
Now let's get to the fun part: the actors themselves.
I am old enough to have seen the original off-Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," my 6th grade teacher took us on a field trip to NYC to see it. But I'm not going to try to draw any parallels between it and what I saw in the Button Theatre production because the memories are too dim. The one thing that I do remember well is that I came away from that show with an enormous, pre-pubescent crush on Lucy. This time around I would say that "crush" isn't the right word because I'm considerably older now and that would be really, really creepy. But Ms. Gebhardt did a remarkable job at capturing the essence of Lucy. Wonderful facial expressions and mannerisms. She clearly has a lovely singing voice. Lucy requires a brassy voice, and she managed to nail Lucy's character voice without losing that loveliness. "Little Known Facts" was a number that stands out in my head.
And while we're on the subject of facial expressions, the actor who portrayed Snoopy really caught my eye. His facials were terrific and I loved the character voice. Unfortunately for some of the other actors, I found that my eye was sometimes drawn to his antics when it was supposed to be elsewhere. (Not that he was upstaging them. His actions were subtle and in character. I just enjoyed his portrayal.) I confess that "Suppertime" is one of my favorites from the show and Mr. Arapoglou didn't disappoint. (Though there were a few acoustics problems during that number.) I also enjoyed the Red Baron scene immensely.
I can't put my finger on what it was about it, but the portrayal of Charlie Brown left me just the slightest bit cold. Mr. Bradshaw lists among his credits some NATS placements and I believe it. There is most assuredly many years of training in his voice. He had some lovely moments, but sometimes something was getting in the way of his obviously great singing voice. Perhaps something about the characterization. I don't know. I believe it was in "Happiness" where I heard him really shine vocally. Now, please don't get me wrong, there was much here to like, but there was something missing for me. I wish I could be more specific.
Ms Krabe is especially well known around these parts but this was my first opportunity to see her on stage. What a delight! Her voice, and characterization were first rate. Very cute portrayal. If I remember correctly, the show that I saw many years ago featured Peppermint Patty so Sally was all new to me. She did a fantastic job with it. And kudos to Ms Krabe for some fine and fitting choreography.
Mr Carter as Linus was fun; thumb sucking, blanket hugging, soft shoe and all. There were a few points where the singing was iffy, and by that I mean a loss of projection more than anything else. I attribute that to the same acoustic issues that I heard throughout the show. I'm no dancer--as anyone who has worked with me will attest--but I thought the soft shoe was pretty good. Fun stuff. By the way, what flavor is that thumb anyway?
And lastly Mr Phillips' Schroeder: his energy was high and I liked his character choices as well as his singing. "Beethoven Day" was a hoot.
In summary: Niggles aside, go see this show.
There is just so much to love about it.I hope the Button folks can find a sugar daddy because it's clear to me that there is talent aplenty here that is need of a more suitable home. They deserve larger audiences.
* * * * *
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Now through March 30
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 2 PM
Call our box office at 770-831-0591 or go to
http://www.buttontheatre.com/!
