A beloved cast of comic strip characters come to life to share their hopes, dreams and their angst-ridden-but-optimistic view of the world in the family musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" being presented at Cromwell Road Theatre South Yarra in June.

Clark Gesner's play has charmed audiences for more than 40 years, and is based on characters created by cartoonist Charles Schulz in his prolific comic strip Peanuts, in which Charlie Brown worries about the small things as he searches for the true meaning of life.

But, to get the full enjoyment out of the Melbourne Musicals production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!” you have to be willing to look at it through a child’s eye.
“The show is light-hearted, but also has some powerful underlying messages about love, happiness and standing up in the face of adversity,” says Bryce Ives, Director for Melbourne Musicals.

Praised by his friends, Charlie Brown is celebrated for his undying bravery, triumph and honour. Confused by their accolades, the ever-shy Charlie Brown keeps his focus on successfully flying a kite, winning the ball game and sharing lunch with the cute red-headed girl at school. To make matters worse, Charlie is constantly antagonised by the utterly clever and devious Lucy. Other characters include the lazy dreamer Snoopy, adorable Sally and insightful Linus, who all contribute to Charlie’s perspective.

A fantastic cast of some of Melbourne’s brightest new talent has been assembled to bring to life the signature characters, including:

* James Cutler, as Charlie Brown – the little round head kid ready to face adversity straight in the eye. Charlie Brown is Everyman. He wants to get it right. Hounded by Lucy, surprised by the others and still in love with the little red haired girl.

* Darryn Gatt as Snoopy – the extroverted beagle. A virtuoso at every endeavour – at least in his daydreams atop his dog house. A great observer of human nature, a philosopher that amuses himself with his vibrant imagination.

* Emma Caldwell as Lucy Van Pelt – bossy, pushy, and BEEWDiful! She is loud and yells a lot.

* Laura Burzacott as Sally Brown – Charlie Brown’s little sister always looks for the easy way out. She is cute beyond words.

* Richard Hughes as Schroeder – who idolises Beethoven. A talented artiste devoted to his toy piano and with a clear imagination.

* Matthew Perfect as Linus Van Pelt – happiest with his blanket. He is a paradox: despite his age, he can put life into perspective while sucking his thumb.
The most refreshing element of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown is its wonderfully unique presentation of life before the loss-of-innocence.

“This is the first in a series of major productions scheduled for Melbourne Musicals over the coming two years. Melbourne Musicals aims to present productions that are original, innovative and entertaining,” says Ives.

For more information about the show visit our website:
http://melbournemusicals.wordpress.com/

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