Back row: Kelly Mok (Pig-Pen), James M. Toler (Charlie Brown), and C.C. Gallagher (Linus); Middle row: Keila Mumphord (Violet), Tori Farnsworth (Lucy), Julia Eakes (Sally), and Lizzy Grice (Frieda); Front row: Andrew Agner-Nicols (Snoopy) and Tyler M. White (Schroeder). Photo by Joshua Hubbell.
If you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy, then head on down to the Annapolis Mall to see Compass Rose’s “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Based on the witty, family oriented, and much beloved comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, this 1967 musical has something for everyone.
…has something for everyone…It is rare to find a show that delights every age.
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” plays out like a comic strip in some ways. The show weaves together fun musical numbers with bite sized scenes that are quite literally the punch line to a comic strip. The unique, yet oh so familiar, characters carry the show which lacks a clear overarching plot. It may not have a gripping storyline, but the show does have substance that comes from Schulz’s clever and accurate depictions of children’s lives.
The music by Clark Gesner, with additional music by Andrew Lippa (from 1999), is completely fun, but musically interesting, too. The cast’s vocal energy shines from Sally’s “My New Philosophy” and Snoopy’s “Suppertime” to delightful, full-cast numbers like “Book Report.”
Leading the vocal prowess is Julia Eakes’ Sally. Eakes seems to nearly combust with the energy of this iconic little girl, and her voice perfectly fits Sally’s sassy personality (and soars flawlessly at the end of “Book Report”). Lucy, played by choreographer Tori Farnsworth, is another standout in the cast. Lucy has the biggest character arc of any character, and Farnsworth played Lucy beautifully, going from the crabby queen of the show to a Lucy who self-reflects and does indeed love her little brother.
Tracy Adler did a marvelous job not only directing the show, but also designing the costumes, set, and props. The set was beautifully simple. Beyond Schroeder’s piano and Snoopy’s dog house, the show set was composed of versatile blocks, which changed fluidly to create different locations from Lucy’s psychiatric help stand to Charlie Brown’s favorite brick wall. I was sad to miss most of the visual effect of the blocks by sitting house right where Snoopy’s doghouse blocked my vision of a good portion of the stage. While some scene transitions took longer than others, overall Adler’s staging condensed multiple transitions into one with great effect, moving the show right along through sequential vignettes.
It is rare to find a show that delights every age. The fun music, down-to-earth story, and relatable characters make this a perfect show for children, while the witty humor, deep thoughts, and phenomenal singing make this the perfect show for adults. You will have a great time no matter who you are, whether you have known and loved the Peanuts gang your whole life, or this is your first introduction to them!
Running Time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” runs through October 4, 2026 at Live Arts Maryland, Annapolis Mall, 2002 Annapolis Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
