Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane in East Falls, is presenting “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the 1967 Tony Award winning musical with the characters created by Charles Schultz over 60 years ago. Seen here in rehearsal are, Top: Kristen E. Heigel, Peter Campagna, Gina Marie Schwoerer, Annie Hantko, Steve Hantko, Brian S. Rothman; Bottom: Pat Sutton, Abrham Bogale.[/caption]

by Hugh Hunter

I do not know what our kids think of "The Peanuts Movie" (2015), but for those of us who grew up with cartoonist Charles Schulz’ "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" (1967), now running at Old Academy Players, it feels like an elementary school reunion.

"Peanuts" is beloved by untold millions worldwide. In this musical version (libretto and score by Clark Gesner), once again Charlie Brown burns with self-doubt. He fails at almost everything, whether it is flying a kite, playing baseball or getting to know the "red-headed girl.” Yet Charlie never gives up, and during the course of his struggles he invites constant ridicule.

As de facto leader of a gang of kids, he is an odd choice.  With his open face, Patrick Sutton shines in the star role.  Always in an adorably anxious state, Charlie stays in the moment. Each new defeat saddens him while a rare triumph fills him with joy.

Self-confident nemesis Lucy (Gina Marie Schwoerer) is his exact opposite. Played by lithe and chipper Schwoerer, Lucy keeps popping into Charlie's life like a bad dream. The joy she takes in her mean intrusions is hilarious. When she does show kindness, a surprised Charlie looks so happy he could cry.

As in the comic strip, Snoopy, played by Abrham (correct spelling) Bogale, often steals the show. In one of his many Walter Mitty guises, we see Snoopy as a fighter pilot atop his red doghouse battling the Red Baron. Bogale acts out the absurdity of Snoopy's various capers with great physical humor. (A "Snoopy Museum" just opened this weekend in Tokyo.)

Great stage movement is the hallmark of this production;  the cast excels in physically acting out their characters.  Blanket-hugging Linus (Brian S. Rothman), piano-playing Schroeder (Peter Campagna) and tomboy Peppermint Patty (Kristin E. Hegel) magically spring to life.

The musical does not tell a story but matches the episodic form of Schulz's comic strip. Some vignettes are drawn out, as when Lucy polls friends with her ludicrous personality study. Others are quick like four-panel cartoons, one-day gags that affectionately spotlight character peccadilloes.

The production is a real mom-and-pop operation. Director Annie Hnatko, a professional opera singer, and husband Steve handle costume, set design, light and sound. The 14 songs by Gesner are lyrically cute, and the cast comically act them out, but you do not leave the theater humming any arias.

You can only enjoy the energy of this show. There are satirical touches in Schulz's work, but "Peanuts" is not "Homer Simpson" or "South Park.” Instead, it shows kids struggling to find a place in the world, remaining painfully separate even as they band together. It resonates with you because you know how hard it sometimes is to be a kid and hold your head up high.

Old Academy Players is located at 3540-44 Indian Queen Lane. "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" will run through May 8. Reservations available at 215-843-1109.