Why Charlie Brown is a good man

MANILA, Philippines - Finally, the outrageously funny and heartwarming Broadway musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, based on characters created by cartoonist Charles Shultz in his syndicated comic series Peanuts (which many of us used to read during our grade school and high school days), and consistent awardee and nominee in such prestigious award-giving bodies, as the Tony’s, the Grammys, the Drama Desk Award, among others, is in the Philippines.

Robbie Guevara, a theater director and stage performer, fleshes out the role of the “always-ready-to-please-others” Charlie Brown, with the wonderment of a growing kid, dreaming of games and school projects and longing for support and encouragement, which the other characters fully provide. Carla Guevara-Laforteza, a versatile performer in both local and foreign productions whose beautiful face and acting are accompanied by a clear, crystal voice, plays Lucy’s crabby character, egging Charlie to be happy and challenging him to fulfill his dreams, and not mope and get discouraged. Lorenz Martinez, (son of Leo Martinez and Enchang Agudo who would be more familiar to people my age), another professional stage actor with a matching amazing voice, relishes the Snoopy role, loving Charlie Brown and encouraging him in his search for happiness, satisfied that his master Charlie Brown is always there for his food and yet leaves him alone, if needed, with his dog-dreams and wishes. The play’s logo, showing the two is a very meaningful silhouette of the enduring partnership.

Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, (a remarkable stage actress but better known as the soprano of The CompanY), is the ever-protective sister Sally to Charlie. She assuages Charlie’s defeatist attitude and pushes him to accomplishing his dreams whether in the playfield or at school. Tonipet Gaba, a multi-awarded TV host with local stage accomplishments, is the obsessive-compulsive Beethoven-loving Schroeder, the “hard-to-get” crush of Lucy. Toff de Venecia (who alternates with Franco Laurel), plays the cute blanket-carrying Linus, who puts Lucy’s dreams of becoming a queen into perspective, joining the rest of the cast in shaping Charlie’s search for happiness (which to a child is as simple as finding a pencil).

Credits go to Michael Williams as the director of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. He springs life to the musical. A veteran actor with numerous directorial credits, Michael is a get-go taskmaster. In the rehearsal I was privileged to watch, he was there ever watchful of the progress, a silent spectator taking notes. When feedback time comes, he mentors and coaches his performers with his recommendations at developing and evolving their deliveries. I have not seen a director as open, persuasive and constructive as Michael, up close. He convinces his actors why his suggestions make the musical focused and more enjoyable eventually for the listener-viewer.

The musical version of 9 Works Theatrical of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, is a pleasure to watch because the talented cast members perform their roles effortlessly. I must say that the production is unique from other theater offerings I have seen in the past. This is where the saying, “Small is beautiful” applies — a small cast and simple staging, but with an experienced and talented acting, great choreography and directing that push the production to perfect-pitch rendition. The theme of openness in early childhood with veteran performers portraying children with simple joys makes one reminisce the innocence and uncomplicated sources of pleasure of early days. The play’s message is leave the children with their childhood joys and dreams, their own brand of happiness while enjoying the support of their peers. Let the children decide to explore what really makes a good man and try their best to make the most of their young lives.

(Watch You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown with your childhood friends, your children and their friends until March 3 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For details, call 557-5860 or 0917-5545560.)