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Good Grief! Charlie Brown Is Here
Marcel Thee | February 16, 2011

Old favorites Lucy, Snoopy and Charlie Brown relive classic ‘Peanuts’ moments. (Photo courtesy of The Jakarta Players) Old favorites Lucy, Snoopy and Charlie Brown relive classic ‘Peanuts’ moments. (Photo courtesy of The Jakarta Players)
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Who doesn’t know Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang? Since creator Charles M. Schulz introduced the “Peanuts” cartoon strip in 1950, the whimsical characters have become globally recognizable — not only to kids but to fans of all ages.

Although Schulz passed away 11 years ago, his legacy lives on. Through the comics, merchandise and cartoon series, the “Peanuts” family has continued to charm audiences.

Clark Gesner’s acclaimed play, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” is a testament to this legacy.

An Indonesian version of the two-act play will be performed by The Jakarta Players, a community theater troupe consisting of stage buffs from various nationalities and backgrounds, at the American Club on Feb. 18, 19 and 20.

Formed in the 1970s, The Jakarta Players is a nonprofit organization. It usually stages four to five plays a year, in English, and donates the proceeds to different local charities.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is directed by Keith Allerton, a teacher at the Jakarta International School. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, an organization that builds homes for the underprivileged.

The Jakarta Players’ goal is to build “one home, one show,” meaning each production will hopefully raise enough money to build one home.

In “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Peanuts” fans will get the chance to relive some of the most memorable and iconic moments from the comic strip.

There is downbeat protagonist Charlie Brown’s unfortunate run-ins with the “kite-eating tree,” as well as Snoopy’s imaginary battles against the Red Baron.

Of course, there are also appearances by the rest of the gang, including siblings Lucy Van Pelt and her blanket-toting brother, Linus, Charlie’s sister, Sally Brown, as well as the piano-playing Schroeder.

Gesner first approached Schulz in the 1960s with the intention of asking permission to write songs based on the “Peanuts” characters. Schulz was not keen on the idea until he was sent a tape of Gesner’s work.

Although Gesner didn’t have plans to adapt the songs into a theater play, producer Arthur Whitelaw persuaded him to create a musical comedy based on his “Peanuts”-inspired songs. An LP of the songs was also released.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” premiered on March 12, 1967, off Broadway at Theater 80 in the East Village. It had its Broadway premiere on June 1, 1971, at the John Golden Theater, where it ran for 32 performances.

The musical has received a number of awards and honors over the years, including a Grammy in 1968 and 2000 and a Tony in 1999.

It has also received much critical praise, particularly for its unique brand of physical comedy. And in 1985 the musical was adapted into an animated television special.

This time-tested musical should be a treat for anybody who has ever chuckled at the antics of Charlie Brown and Snoopy. And the fact that all the proceeds are going to charity should encourage anybody with a love of live theater to come out and enjoy the show.

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’
The American Club
Brawijaya Road IV No. 20
Feb. 18-20
Tel: 0813 8395 2341