Presented by Adelaide Youth Theatre
Reviewed Friday 15th March 2013
As the closing song says, “Happiness is…”
There’s nothing to dislike in this fun, energetic Broadway musical based on the Charles M Schultz comic strip Peanuts. Director Fiona DeLaine has nailed it pure and simple, as has Mark DeLaine as Musical Director and Mark Stefanoff, with his fantastic choreography.
The cast are leagues above what one would expect from a simple youth group production. Kyle Hall is outstanding as loveable loser Charlie Brown and Georgia Broomhall couldn’t be better cast as bossy Lucy. The rest of the ‘Peanuts Gang’ are just as stellar: Tayla Coad as ditzy Sally, Laurence Boxhall as insecure Linus, Benji Riggs as musical genius Schroeder, and Ben Francis as the dog Snoopy. The choral work from the larger ensemble is crystal clear and the six piece band is tight.
While the show is full of quick one liners and comic strip vignettes, the music and lyrics by Clark Gesner are also lots fun, particularly Linus’s love song, My Blanket and Me, and Sally’s search for direction in life with, My New Philosophy.
There’s only “good grief” in this exceptional, fun-loving production. What a shame the season is so short.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
Adelaide Youth Theatre website
Venue: Star Theatres, 145 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton
Season: 15-17 March
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: $17.00 – $27.00
Bookings: FringeTix, Box Office in Rundle Mall, or phone 1300 621 255
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