Something about the performance of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”:
As a member of Theatre in the Mist, I have had the pleasure of working with many talented individuals both on stage and behind the scenes. I have also experienced wonderful roles and musical moments, now committed to memory, of which I will never let go.
But the most recent production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown will be a favorite because I was the dog! In white costuming, complete with ears and tail, I challenged myself to emulate an icon in cartooning: Snoopy! I became friend to all of the Peanuts gang and sage to readers of the comic strip, exhibiting the "black and white" emotional reactions of the canine on his house. Dancing with cane and hat, howling and singing, eating out of a red pet dish all added up to a frollick of fantasy that was not easy to leave on closing night. My only hope of reprise rests with the possibility of another Charlie Brown presentation at an alternate venue upon request. Ah, I look forward in hopeful anticipation of "putting on the dog" again!
Many thanks to the numerous members and volunteers who helped me find my niche in this fun musical! Woof!--Jack Agugliaro
Review on Theatre in the Mist’s “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
From: Terri Mudd
The call is out to all those who love Charlie Brown and his companions. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown opens November 30th at Stella Niagara, produced by the Theatre in the Mist, Inc. The play will run November 30th to December 9.
The stories are as much a part of the growing up scene in the 70s and 80s as jump rope and popcorn. The characters leap out of the comic section of today’s newspaper, and lope across the stage with amazing energy and a grace given only to small children.
Theatre in the Mist proves again that such grace is given to children of any age! Schroeder with his piano, and erudite approach to life; Lucy-in command, or she would like to be!; Linus, small but wise beyond his status; Sally, all girl; and don’t forget Snoopy, a boy’s best friend, but he does need regular care and feeding.
The cast is simply and appropriately costumed. The set is angular and colorful, well done with limited resources.
Charlie Brown, played by Joey Bucheker brings his audience into his world easily and naturally. Lucy, played by Sara Kovasci, rules, or tries to. Snoopy, Jack Agugliaro, observes with the dog-wisdom of ages. Linus-Stefan Brundage, and Schroeder-Nicholas Lama support the action artfully. Emily Pici is wide-eyed, a commentator as well as a participant.
Three members of the cast are from Niagara University. Sara Kovasci graduated last year from Niagara’s theatre department. Nick Lama, is a sophomore in Theatre Studies at Niagara this year. Emily Pici is a senior studying Theater Performance, and Theatrical Make-Up Techniques and served as the show’s make-up artist.
Stef Brundage has appeared in a number of local productions and Jack Agugliaro is a regular from Theatre in the Mist. His enthusiasm for the role echoes Snoopy’s enthusiasm for life. Joey Bucheker is a professional in Buffalo/ He is Executive and Artistic director of the Cosmopolitan Theatre Company.
Much of the charm of the production comes from the musical contribution of Tony Kunz on the piano, and Anthony Ward, percussion and rhythm with Bruce Woody as Musical Director. The production is tied together, and presented as a Christmas gift to the audience, by director Joanne Kinney, a founding member of Theatre in the Mist. Her comments on the production: “…this is the kind of cast a director dreams about, talented, experienced, and just plain fun.” All of these characteristics are ably demonstrated in this production.
Theatre in the Mist selects the winners of their essay contest, “HOW CHARLIE BROWN AND HIS FRIENDS CHANGED MY LIFE.”
Three adults and two children were selected for their excellent essays on the effect the “Peanuts Gang” has had on their lives. The winners are Derek Naus and Ashlee Roell, 6th graders from Lewiston Porter, Jim Toner from Niagara Falls and Terri and Jim Mudd from Lewiston. The winners and their friends will be guests of Theatre in the Mist on Opening Night of “YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN,” Friday, November 30 at the 7:30 p.m. performance and Opening Night Gala that follows.
Other performances will be held on Dec 1, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. and December 2 & 9 at 2 p.m. on stage at Stella Niagara stage, corners of Pletcher and Lower River Roads in Lewiston. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students and are available at the door.
“YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN,” is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in his comic strip Peanuts. Great family entertainment!
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