I love when a new idea can breathe fresh life into a play or musical. Last year I saw a staging of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown deemed the ‘silver-haired edition’ all cast with senior citizens. This was at the Covey and the casting really brought out a depth to the musical that on its own I honestly think is on the dry side. (It’s just not that funny and the sweetness can only get me so far with the just an ok book and songs.) Anyway, I was able to see another silver-haired edition at Murray Arts this week and once again I found it to be a delightful experience.

In fact, I can confidently say that the silver-haired version is my favorite take on this material. It just works with the older actors saying lines designed for children- particularly these children that behave more like grown ups (Lucy with her psychiatrist booth, Charlie Brown with his existential dread for example.) A couple moments that especially stand out is when Charlie Brown says something to the effect of ‘if I didn’t wake up tomorrow would anyone even notice’ and also when Lucy asks Linus “give me one reason I should go on living?’ and he responds ‘you have a little brother who loves you.’ Those lines hit differently when said by older actors.

The production at Murray Arts is directed by James Christian and the cast is the most talented group I have seen put on this show. I particularly enjoyed Nick Cash as Linus and Gary Neilson as Snoopy. They are both endearing and memorable in their roles. My favorite song of the show “My New Philosophy” is well sung by Julie Nelson Blatter as Sally and the ensemble ending the night with “Happiness” is a lovely moment that can’t help but win you over.

Christian and his team have captured the Peanuts world well with costumes by Madela Shaffer and oversized sets by Dwight Western. I especially loved a giant blue coach they created for Linus to sing “My Blanket and Me” and other songs.

This production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown has a limited run so make sure you get to it when you have the chance. It is playing through April 18th at Murray Theater in downtown Murray. You can take the whole family and all have a great time. Tickets can be purchased here.

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown has music and lyrics by Clark Gesner with a book by John Gordon and a revision by Andrew Lippa. It first premiered on Broadway in 1967 and then had revivals in 1971 and 1999.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks like bonus episodes, patron polls and monthly Q&As with actors, directors and writers. Please take a look here.