Milligan’s musical theatre program will perform “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in the Gregory Center October 21-24. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. October 21-23 and at 2:30 p.m. on October 24. Tickets are now available at milligan.tix.com for $10 and are expected to sell out.
Many are familiar with the lovable characters of Charles M. Shultz’s “Peanuts,” created in 1950. Clark Gesner translated the comic strip into a musical in 1967 and spectators can expect a comedic yet wholesome rendition of the show on Milligan’s stage according to the cast.
“This show is incredibly funny, but also heartwarming,” said senior Abigail Haagen. “One minute you’re laughing at somebody getting slugged or a quip about Charlie Brown’s hands, the next you’re unexpectedly touched by characters’ supporting each other.”
Due to COVID-19 this will be the first musical on Milligan’s stage in two years, and the cast is ready to entertain audiences in person once more.
“In 2021, Charlie Brown’s gentle mix of humor and optimism could just be the reminder we all need,” Jamie Buxton, the new assistant professor of musical theatre, told Milligan’s public relations department.
Haagen plays the sassy Lucy van Pelt, and is excited for her first performance on a physical stage instead of a virtual one.
“The pandemic has given me opportunities to perform in a lot of virtual shows, but this is my first full-length musical on a physical stage,” said Haagen “This is also my first time playing a leading role, so I’ve been overcoming my stage nerves while also learning to maintain stamina throughout an entire show.”
Buxton is directing the production and has a lot of experience acting, directing and writing. Sam Konstantopoulos, a psychology major playing Charlie Brown, has grown from this adjustment.
“It has been a joy to work with Professor Buxton on this production,” said Konstantopoulos. “She is a phenomenal singer, dancer and actress. She’s a true triple threat and we are so happy to have her here at Milligan.”
This is also the first production with Brian Saxton, Milligan’s new assistant professor of theatre and director of technical theatre, who came to Milligan from the College of William & Mary.