You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
About the show
The York Theatre Company revives the musical inspired by Charles M. Schulz's beloved Peanuts gang, starring a cast of talented kids who've all appeared on Broadway. More…
Spend a day with Charlie Brown and his pint-size philosopher friends, from bright, uncertain morning to starlit, hopeful evening, with lonely brown-bag lunches, kite flying failures, book reports, glee club rehearsals, and suppertime in between. For audiences of all ages.
"This entertaining revival has the novelty of being performed by a cast of lively professional child performers...Director Michael Unger and choreographer Jennifer Paulson-Lee have staged the historic comic strip with small-scale flair. The performances and dancing are of high caliber and the scenes swiftly and effectively shift onward...The show ends with the resonant ode to childhood innocence, 'Happiness.' Hearing actual children sing it is a moving conclusion to this special incarnation." Full Review
"Happiness is 'You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown'...This time around the play is being done by actual kids–extremely talented Broadway kids...All of the actors are top-notch singers, dancers, actors–triple threats all the way...The songs are everything about being a child. Hilarious, clever, hand-clapping good...You will find yourself smiling from ear to ear when you leave." Full Review
"This latest version of this appealing if slight musical has the six young characters actually played by young actors--many with Broadway credits. It makes a difference, especially if you’re planning to bring your own youngsters along, to see kids playing kids for a change. Leading Michael Unger’s spirited production in the title role is the remarkable Joshua Colley, who also possesses an often booming voice...You’ll be charmed, I’m sure, if you go see this show." Full Review
"The endearing young performers providing oomph are irresistible. Children and adults alike can gain fresh pleasure from this production...Despite their youth, the performers come with considerable experience, and it shows. The production generally moves smoothly...The tone of the show mixes naïveté with worldliness, as it should, for the combination gives the show its basic charm. The cast seems to understand this and enjoyably communicates that outlook." Full Review
"Since the tiny characters are usually grappling with their own version of grownup crises, adults always play the parts. But having kids do it makes it fresh, appealing, and endlessly cute (but not cutesy). The show is basically a series of vignettes and songs, like a comic strip come to life...As directed by Michael Unger, they do a lovely job...Shapiro projects a wonderful wisdom of the ages in her face, making her a priceless character actress even now." Full Review
"The clarity of kids’ speaking/singing voices can be high pitched and screaming, at times, to an adult ear so listen up with care. Be that as it may, these kids are all A+ talent…The most endearing of them all is Charlie’s adorable and loving dog Snoopy (Aidan Gemme)…This 'Charlie Brown' should have great appeal to the small set who will discover or rediscover simple life lessons and the wonders of Peanuts characters. The nostalgia aspect for the grown-ups is a definite feel-good." Full Review
"It's the revised version that the York has mounted with a charming and talented cast of kid actors...Naturally, there are some inherent problems with the concept. There are cases where the songs don't sound completely comfortable in developing voices and much of the humor is lost because the young actors don't always seem to know what their lines mean, often racing through the clever material. That's not to say that director Michael Unger's sunny and sweet production isn't enjoyable." Full Review
See it if You are a fan of the Peanuts gang.
Don't see it if You can't get behind adults playing children.
See it if You love Peanuts, you remember what it's like to be a kid, you want to laugh, you want to see the next generation of Broadway stars.
Don't see it if You hate fun, don't care for child actors, want something edgy, or just have no heart.
See it if you love Charlie Brown.
Don't see it if you hate Charlie Brown.
See it if You're into quirkier stuff, like happy shows, like catchy musical numbers that represent their own scene
Don't see it if You're looking for heavier topics
See it if You love the Peanuts gang!
Don't see it if You don't like slap stick comedy.
See it if happiness is a warm puppy and your kids will enjoy it
Don't see it if you don't believe kids can sing well (because these kids do)
See it if You love catchy tunes that get stuck in your head.
Don't see it if You hate catchy tunes that get stuck in your heart.
See it if Anyone that loves Broadway. A classic must see
Don't see it if You are not into musicals or the wizard of oz
See it if You were ever a kid or you still are one
Don't see it if Youre a curmudgeon
See it if You're a fan of Charlie B., enjoy too-shelf Broadway child actors performing their faces off for you, need to trick your kids into theater.
Don't see it if Can't stand child actors, think Charlie Brown is dated, get bored with 2 hours of kids playing precocious kids.
See it if you have kids who'd enjoy seeing young professional performers completely master & run a show. Very small production (house is very small).
Don't see it if kids ain't your thing. These munchkins really tore it up for us. Very well-done (again small house, small production) and very entertaining.
See it if You like the score and like kids productions.
Don't see it if You don't like children's productions.
See it if you love the characters (and who doesn't); It's funny with very good performances
Don't see it if don't want to see a kids production of this show
See it if you remember Peanuts when it still had zing! Great kid cast, fun songs and staging, insightful. Perfect summer night out with family!
Don't see it if you want a plot. This is a series of comic strips brought to life; sweet, warm, light entertainment, cleverly presented. No more/no less.
See it if You want a family friendly show with incomparable child performances.
Don't see it if You're looking for a mature show.
See it if you'd like to see Charlie Brown's philosophical thought spoken by a true child instead of an adult.
Don't see it if you expect a magnificent singing and outstanding acting.
See it if You're curious to see the show done by professional kids, putting an new spin on a classic.
Don't see it if You're looking for highly polished performances and production values. If you want more ambitious, serious theatre
See it if you're a fan of Peanuts or child actors, or you're in the mood for a "palette cleanser" in between heavier, more dramatic shows.
Don't see it if you're turned off by child actors. This production is staged with kids, though they're quite talented with many big credits.
See it if You want to see a different take (all kids!) on this classic, you want to see some young future stars of Broadway
Don't see it if You don't like children's theater or things that are cute
See it if you like Peanuts & Charles Schulz, curious how a cast of teenage pros do, enjoy the original musical, want a family show, patient with kids
Don't see it if expecting a NYC professional type profession, can't tolerate child actors, good as some may be, miss the irony of adults behaving as kids
See it if you want to be impressed by a super talented cast of young actors who are just adorable.
Don't see it if you don't like low-budget productions and are not a fan of Charlie Brown.
See it if you are fond of the PEANUTS cartoon
Don't see it if you believe the material is better performed by adult actors rather than the children who play at York
See it if You want to see an AMAZING cast and an overall adorable show. And it's totally child friendly!
Don't see it if You would rather not go to a show meant for children and want something less rainbows-and-butterflies.
See it if you like seeing professional kids perform, don't mind low-key sets that remind you of a middle school performance... you like small theaters
Don't see it if you are looking for a replica of the past B'way shows. This is an extremely small production with professional kid actors. great kids tho.
See it if You already love the peanuts.
Don't see it if You dont like the peanuts.
Cast & Creatives (15)
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