Charlie Brown Musical for Hayes

Charles Schulz’s beloved characters come to life in the musical You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner, which will play Hayes Theatre Co from Tuesday 5 July for 31 performances including special shows for the School Holidays.

Everyone’s favourite ‘blockhead’ Charlie Brown is joined by his kid sister Sally, blanket-hugging Linus, know-it-all Lucy, Beethoven devotee Schroeder, and of course his best friend – Snoopy for adventures and life lessons that cover the best way to fly a kite, write a book report, play baseball and combat the Red Baron.

“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown was the first musical I ever saw as a child, and I am thrilled that we will be presenting this production at Hayes Theatre Co,” says Producer and Hayes Theatre Co General Manager Victoria Wildie. “It’s a great opportunity to work with the team behind the hit production of RENT, Director Shaun Rennie and Choreographer Andy Dexterity who, along with Musical Director Michael Tyack, have assembled an exciting young cast for Hayes Theatre Co’s first musical presentation for children and families. This is a production that will appeal to both young and old with its engaging characters.”

Starring: Rohan Browne (Strictly Ballroom, A Chorus Line) as Snoopy, Ben Gerrard (I Am My Own Wife, Molly) as Linus, Sheridan Harbridge (The Detectives Handbook, Songs for the Fallen) as Lucy, Nat Jobe (Crazy For You, The King & I) as Schroeder, Laura Murphy (GREASE The Musical, Magical Tales) as Sally and Mike Whalley (Richard III, An Officer and a Gentleman) as Charlie Brown.

“When first asked what I would like to direct following RENT, without hesitation I knew that it would be You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” says director Shaun Rennie. “I have always loved this funny, bright, sweet and surprisingly insightful show and have often thought that it would be a perfect fit for the intimate Hayes Theatre Co. We have been able to cast six incredibly funny and experienced comedic actors to bring the Peanuts to life, it is a dream cast, and I can’t wait to get started.”

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown started at Theatre 80 Off Broadway in 1967 and ran for 1,597 performances before transferring to Broadway for a limited run. After a US Tour in 1998 the musical retuned to Broadway in 1999 and received four Tony nominations. It starred Kristin Chenoweth and Roger Bart as Sally and Snoopy, with each winning a Tony award.