Friday, February 10, 2012

Theater Review: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown -- A Fantastic Production!



Whether you're a Peanuts fan or not, you will definitely enjoy watching 9 Works Theatrical's latest musical. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown showcases snippets in the lives of its popular characters. Get ready to laugh, be amazed, get surprised, and tap your feet along to some of theater's most upbeat songs.


Robbie Guevara plays Charlie Brown, the insecure kid who doesn't know his own worth. He's a good friend, a loving brother, and a thoughtful pet owner. Unfortunately, he has confidence issues and usually end up frustrated at himself over a lot of things. You'll feel sorry for him most of the time. Still, he has this infectious positive attitude that surfaces once in a while.


Sweet Plantado-Tiongson plays Sally, Charlie's precocious and outspoken little sister. Her song number about a new philosophy is something to watch out for. It's funny but, surprisingly, makes sense! Well, sort of :p

Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Lucy, the crabby but intelligent girl who has no idea how mean she could be. Yet, she always becomes sweet when pursuing Schroeder (played by Tonipet Gaba), the musically-talented boy who seems happiest when playing the piano. I love the part when Lucy was trying to get Schroeder's attention and he taps on the wrong piano keys whenever she says something he doesn't like. Typical boy-girl conflict, LOL. It's funny how their postures were exactly what we see in the comics strips.


Franco Laurel plays Linus, the blanket-toting lad who also happens to be Lucy's little brother. His song number about trying to let go of his blankie would probably be felt deeply by kids who also depend on a security blanket or toy. Watch out for some performances where Toff de Venecia would be alternating for Linus. I hope I'd get to watch him too.

Lorenz Martinez plays Snoopy, Charlie's pet. I'd have to say that a lot of scene-stealing went on when Snoopy was on stage. Aside from his antics, most of the dancing and singing parts were simply hilarious! You should see the scene when Snoopy was pretending to fly a jet fighter. Epic! :)


I love, love the costumes. They are perfect! I also appreciate how each actor was able to play their characters really, really well. All of them obviously prepared for their roles. As they shared during the press con, it's difficult to play a child and become childlike without looking childish. Hats off to the six of you for doing such a great job in making us look at life through children's eyes!

The songs are lovely especially my all-time favorite called Happiness. The lyrics continue to ring true whether you are a child or an adult.

"Happiness is morning and evening 
Day time and night time too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you."


Congratulations Director Michael Williams and the whole team of 9 Works Theatrical for successfully staging one of the happiest plays on earth! :) 

Oh, and check these collectible, limited edition yogurt drinks available at The Java Man kiosk located near the theater. Thanks Sir Santi Santamaria for showing them to me. Very nice!


Catch You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the CP Romulo Theater in RCBC Makati until March 3, 2012. Friday shows are at 8pm, Saturday shows at 3:30pm and 8pm, and Sunday shows at 3:30pm.

For tickets and other inquiries, please call 557-5870, 586-7105, or 0917-5545560 or email info@9workstheatrical.com.


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