Oh, good grief! The lovable Peanuts gang is back. America had to say goodbye to new versions of the Peanuts comic strip four years ago, leaving behind legions of multi-generational fans. Now it has been revived for the live stage by the Park Players.Charlie Brown and his friends will be making their debut this weekend at the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
“No matter what age you are, it’s a funny show and it seems to work,” says Alice Failla, 53, who plays Lucy.
Created by Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown and his friends have entertained a multitude of fans for decades since their birth in October of 1950. Since that time, the comic strip grew into a national sensation, producing merchandise, movies, and a musical.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown first appeared in 1967 as an off-Broadway musical starring Gary Burghoff, who went on to play Radar on the TV show M*A*S*H. Taking the role of Charlie Brown in the Park Players’ production is Woodrow Wilson School drama teacher Joseph D. Conklin. Conklin, who has been with the Park Players since their inception 23 years ago, also serves as assistant director of the production.
“It’s great to revert back to childhood,” says Conklin, 57. “It’s a time to sit back and forget about everything, and look at things through the eyes of a child.”
Young and old
One reason the Park Players decided to produce the play is the fact that it’s so inclusive. It’s geared toward the older generation, but kids really enjoy it too. The cast members and production team range in age from 8 to 61, and there’s a tight sense of camaraderie among them.
“We try to do plays that involve different age groups,” says Debbie Guarini, stage manager.
Many of the kids who are involved with the production are students of the older cast members and have participated in previous Park Players productions.
“This is my fifth production with [the Park Players],” says Allison Strong, 13, who is one of Conklin’s students at Woodrow Wilson and has been a part of the Park Players since she was 10. “I’m used to singing opera, but this works, too. I think it’s the most different from anything I’ve ever done, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Strong has had professional vocal training as well, and has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus.
Rehearsals have been going on four nights a week in preparation for the show’s opening. Many members of the production staff, as well as some cast members, take on multiple tasks to make the show run. Failla is musical director in addition to playing Lucy.
The Park Players produce three or four shows each season, starting in November. The members come from all ages and backgrounds with one common goal – to bring quality, affordable theater to the community.
“It’s going to be a great play,” Strong says. “Everybody’s inner child sort of shines through.”
@ Park Performing Arts Center
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
When: Thursday, May 20, at 8 p.m.
Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 22, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 23, at 3 p.m.
Where: Park Performing Arts Center
560 32nd St., Union City
Tickets: $20 for adults, and $16 for students and seniors. Special group rates are also available. For more information, call (201) 941-6030.