“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, the family-friendly musical will continue its run Thursday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 12. The production is directed and choreographed by Tim Bair, TTIP’s Producing Artistic Director; with music direction by Marsha Moeller. Show time is 8:30 p.m.; gates open to the theatre bowl at 7:30 p.m.
The Theatre in the Park is a program of Johnson County Park and Recreation District, and is the largest outdoor community theatre in the country. TTIP produces a five-show season of high-quality Broadway-style musicals and hosts a wide variety of special events great for families and “kids” of all ages.
This charming musical is based on an average day of Charlie Brown, the beloved character created by cartoonist Charles Schulz. Charlie Brown is joined by his friends Sally, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and his canine companion Snoopy-and everyone sings!
While none of the cast is actually six years old and they don’t really look like Charles Schulz’ “Peanuts” cartoon characters, it doesn’t matter because they perform with the openness of that early childhood time we all remember. It’s a production that’s perfect for the entire family.
“I chose this show because it really speaks to the child in all of us,” Bair said. “The humor of the show comes from the simple, naive musings of a group of kids all living in the same neighborhood together and fearlessly moving through their lives with the sweet and often times hilarious viewpoint that you see in children in REAL life.”
TTIP decided for the first time to do a fifth show this season, offering a positive message just before the start of the school year.
“The message of this show is ‘happiness is living’. All the moments in our lives… all the people in our hearts… all the small things that combine to create our ‘stories’. The recognition of all those things… that’s what happiness is all about.”
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children (ages 4-10); children under age three are free but do require a ticket for entrance. Tickets may be purchased on-line or at the theatre box office prior to performances. New this year is Thrifty Thursdays; for all Thursday night performances receive 20 percent off your ticket price when you purchase your ticket at the box office, and see the show that SAME Thursday evening.
Picnic lovers can enjoy special Picnics in the Park with TTIP partner PANERA. Visit Theatre in the Park’s web site, www.theatreinthepark.org/picnics , select the performance night, select the Panera sandwiches or salad being offered, then pay right on-line. Your picnic will be packed and waiting for you when you arrive at the theater!
Take advantage of the new TTIP Wine and Beer Garden, available for Friday night performances only. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine and unwind before a night under the stars at the theater from 6 -8:15 p.m. Sodas and smoothies are also available for purchase. (You must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.)
The Theatre in the Park 2012 season is sponsored in part by SPRINT, SHAWNEE MISSION MEDICAL CENTER, JOHN DEERE and ENTERCOM ENTERTAINMENT. To learn more about Theatre in the Park, visit www.theatreinthepark.org.
So come play at Theatre in the Park – Enhancing the quality of life in our community. For more information, call the TTIP office at (913) 236-1237 or visit www.theatre in the park.org
Cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Role/Actor/City of residence
Charlie Brown: Andrew Schmidt; Kansas City, MO
Lucy Van Pelt: Joella Wolnick; Overland Park
Linus Van Pelt: Brant Stacy; Overland Park
Sally Brown: Emily Vargo; Gardner, KS
Schroeder: Matthew King; Leawood
Snoopy: Robert Hingula; Shawnee
