Director Bob Purosky has artfully assembled an all-star cast led by the soulful Brian Farnham as the endearingly depressed but hopeful Charlie Brown. Tricia Rogers is an enthusiastically “crabby” … shall we say assertive? Lucy Van Pelt. Taren Going is a true charmer as Sally, embracing her various “new philosophies” and joining Snoopy (Christopher Verhil) in a spirited rabbit hunt. Christopher celebrates his inner canine with impish abandon as Snoopy. Robert Mueller shines as the “serious musician” (and big fan Beethoven as well as Robin Hood.) And Braden Cooley encompasses the spectrum from sweet, blanket-addicted brother to intellectual philosopher and master of the book report.
The show is episodic, a collection of comic strips — but what the show lacks in plot, it makes up for by building a sense of community/family that loves each other despite the disappointments and confusions of childhood/life. “Happiness is those who sing with you."
The music is well done with keyboardist Jeff English leading four other musicians (hiding in the backstage orchestra loft) and excellent voices in the cast. The set is versatile and fun, with comic-strip-style scenography by Eric Chatfield and Travis Williams — and childlike projections drawn by July George Purosky that added fun backdrops and dimensions. There are some surprises in this show; a Wizard-of-Oz-worthy transformation from black and white to color, and a dancing blanket come to life. Choreographer Amanda Tollstam has captured the mood/character of this show with imaginative, child-like and dog-like dances that lift the songs to a higher level.
NOTE that Charlie Brown has an added 2PM PERFORMANCE TOMORROW (today?) Saturday the 30th - as well as the usual 8pm show. This performance, as well as both 2pm Sunday shows, share the parking lot with Impression 5 when it is open - so plan to ARRIVE EARLY for parking considerations. Tickets for this weekend are still available at the door. The show runs through December 8.
NOTE ALSO that there are TWO community/charitable projects associated with this show:
The Linus Project provides homemade blankets to comfort children who are ill or traumatized or otherwise in need — plus the opportunity to be a “blanketeer” creator of such blankets. There is a $5-per-chance raffle for a special quilt and opportunities to donate money or blanketeer-ing skills.
Holy Cross Homeless Services is a charity right down the street in need of stocking stuffers for the homeless. Their requests for travel-size toiletries, diapers, new socks/undergarments, and gently used coats/hats/gloves are posted on cute little “stockings” displayed on the lobby fireplace. Charlie Brown patrons are encouraged to take a stocking, and bring that item to the donation box when they attend the Riverwalk Holiday Cabaret December 20-22 — or anytime during Riverwalk office hours, 10-5:30 Tuesday-Friday.
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com