You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (104)
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 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 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're a fan of the show. I am not and this production does nothing to improve it in any way. The kids are great but the staging is bizarre!
Don't see it if You value your time. Not worth it. Sorry York. A swing and a miss.
See it if If you're looking for a musical about your favorite peanuts with simple/catchy songs, barely a plot and a very talented cast;
Don't see it if If you're looking for a story and characters to be invested in. For as fun and cute as it is, the show has barely any substance.
Critic Reviews (15)
"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."
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"The show was not written for children to perform...What is so appealing about this show when performed by adults is that they become cartoon characters because they are not age appropriate but they have the knowledge, experience and vocal range to sustain the script...It might have been an enjoyable afternoon but the show did not live up to its potential....There is something missing – the charm perhaps – when children find the adult in themselves."
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"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."
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"The conceit of using talented kids doesn't go very far. Capable as they are, none is especially outstanding, although Gemme’s Snoopy has a delightful Hamish Linklater vibe, Villas displays impressive dance chops, and Colley sings sweetly. The big, big problem is that they’re too young to provide the kind of ironic insights that we’d look for in mature actors playing such preternaturally precocious youngsters; instead, we get just the general appeal of their prepubescent presences."
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"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."
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“As is the case with most of the very young cast, a great deal of the irony and comment in the writing is rushed through and lost. It takes experience and training to be able to play animals and small children with knowing humor...The current production has its heart in the right place, but I think the original idea was a better one - to cast older actors as the little kids who certainly tell us a lot about the secret concerns and unbridled joys of their very questioning minds.”
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"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."
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