Snoopy!!! The Musical is in town, and that is good news indeed for hounds and
pups of any age, and for humans too. Jeremy Lewit has directed this absolutely
flawless gem of a production as a 4-performance-only benefit for Downtown
Dog Rescue, but any theater space in need of a sure fire hit would do well to
invite cast, musicians, and crew for an extended L.A. run. This Snoopy is that
much fun!

Like the best of Disney or Pixar, this is family entertainment as delightful for grown-
ups as it is for kids, with Charles M. Schulz’ witty and wise humor meshing
perfectly with Larry Grossman’s sing-along music and Hal Hackady’s Schulz-
worthy lyrics.

Those familiar with the better known You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown know
the formula—dialog from Peanut’s strips (there's no real "book" or storyline), songs,
and dance. The formula worked the first time, and it may even work better
here, if only because for most of us this less often performed material seems fresh
and new.

And what a fine bunch of songs they are! Edgar Allen Poe finds the gang in
class, worrying about a test on Poe; Mother’s Day is Snoopy’s wish to find the
mom who gave birth to him, with Fosse-esque dance moves and a red dogfood
bowl taking the place of the trademark Fosse hat; The Vigil, with Linus and a
sunglasses-sporting Snoopy waiting on Halloween night for the Great Pumpkin;
The Great Writer, Snoopy’s earnest attempt to write a novel (“It was a dark and
stormy night…”) despite cruel (and hilarious) rejection letters; and Just One
Person, the exquisite finale, just as lovely a way to finish the show as Happiness is
for You’re a Good Man…

Director Lewit has assembled a cast, many of whom were students with him at
Carnegie Mellon, that truly could not be better, each a perfect fit for his/her
part.

Children’s theater vet Kris Fitzgerald is a 6’4” lean and lanky Snoopy, with a body
seemingly made of rubber.  Combining both the canine and the human, it’s an
absolutely charming performance,.  Patrick Hancock IS Charlie Brown, and it’s
hard to believe (with that fine voice of his) that amidst his long list of credits, this
is his first musical!  Gina D’Acciaro, she of the biggest voice in town, who stole
scenes left and right in the recent Tales of Tinseltown, is one tough Lucy, but with
Gina playing the role, you know she’s got a soft side. Speaking of big voices,
cute Lisa Marinacci belts with the best of them as Peppermint Patty, for whom
Charlie will always be Chuck.  Cute too is Suzanne Mayes, all pink and pretty
perfection as Sally, Charlie’s not always so sweet sister. And Michael Tauzin
proves himself the actor who can do anything.  After his amazing work in a trio of
shows at the Celebration, this stellar young talent has morphed into the most
adorable yellow bird named Woodstock. Tauzin’s facial reactions and bird-body
language are a constant delight.

Lysander Abadia pulls double duty in this production.  Not only has the Vegas
Mamma Mia vet choreographed a delightful and well executed bunch of
dance numbers, but he wins hearts with his blanket-loving imagination-blessed
Linus. And speaking of double duty, there’s Musical Director Jake Anthony
(totally in command at the piano) dressed as Schroeder (who else) and
drummer Justin Carter all dirtied up as Pigpen.  Faryl Saar and Krystle Smith’s
lighting is effective, as are Rob Cron’s simple but just-right-for-the-characters
costumes.  Finally special mention must be made of scenic artist Greg Gould,
who takes a bare black stage and transforms it into a rainbow of color and light. 
Director Lewit also deserves credit for the way he has used all of the McCadden
Place theater’s stage, including the stairway and upper level.

One weekend run that this is, by the time you read this review, the show will
probably already have closed, but do not fret. I’d be willing to bet that this
production of Snoopy!!! The Musical will be back again very soon.  I can’t recall a
show that’s made me smile so much from curtain up to curtain call.

The McCadden Place Theatre, 1157 N. McCadden Place, one block East of
Highland Avenue and one block North of Santa Monica Blvd./ Friday, August
24th - 8pm; Saturday, August 25th - 2pm; Saturday, August 25th - 8pm; Sunday,
August 26th - 2pm; Price is $25 per ticket, 100% tax-deductible. www.
MayesProductions.com

--Steven Stanley