The beloved characters of Charles M Schulz’s Peanuts come to life this summer when Geelong’s newest professional theatre company What’s On? Production Company presents You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Running for six shows across three days from January 11 to 13, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown comes from the acclaimed creative team of director Paul Watson (Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Wicked) and choreographer Vanessa Paech (Rent, The Boy From Oz, Chicago).
The show gives a snapshot of the lives of Charlie Brown, sister Sally, Lucy and Linus van Pelt, Schroeder and, of course, everyone’s favourite beagle, Snoopy.
Playing the role of Lucy is one of the most sought after leading ladies in Australian musical theatre and Geelong local Chelsea Gibb (Chicago, Cabaret, Anything Goes), with fellow local actor Sophia Katos (Wentworth, Strictly Ballroom) as Sally Brown.
Gibb said what drew her to this musical was its portrayal of five very different children navigating their way through situations that often seemed too much, only to find it was okay to just be themselves.
“I’ve got five kids, so looking at this show, it’s this beautiful representation of children struggling with their own issues… but ultimately they can be okay,” Gibb said.
“I’m excited for the talking points for families, I’m excited for the dinner table discussion afterwards. And it’s just a joyous experience.”
Katos agreed, pointing out the musical was written in 1967 but remained hugely relevant today for adults and children alike.
“The songs are catchy and funny and the characters are really infectious, but for adults it’s really philosophical,” she said.
“It asks the big questions; what makes us happy, why are we here? Charlie Brown’s going through an existential crisis.
“And these kids, they just strive and they keep going, and they work out they’re all okay, just as they are.”
