Christmas is almost here, which inevitably heralds the return of TV holiday classics. One expects that well-known TV special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” will undoubtedly air many times. But this year brings something new to Milwaukee: a stage version of the 1965 TV classic, produced by First Stage.
It mirrors the TV special almost word-for-word, as perhaps was determined by the estate of Charles Schulz. Schulz created the remarkable world of the Peanuts gang, which existed mainly as a newspaper comic strip. In 1965, the characters were brought to animated life in a television special. It remains one of the most-watched Christmas specials of all time.
The First Stage version does an excellent job of creating the TV special’s charm: its innocence, its humorous squabbles among the characters and, most memorably, the biblical passage from Luke spoken so simply by Linus (played here by Holden Glass, who is part of the “Schulz” cast). Overall, the story is told in the simplest of settings: a wintry night, with a pond in the foreground turned into a “skating rink,” a snow-covered stone bridge, and the picturesque backdrop of a small town, brightened by lights shining in the windows. The children, too, hark back to yesteryear in outfits created by Jason Orlenko. Girls wear jewel-toned, heavy wool coats and coordinating hats. Below the hemlines, they wear knee-highs or knit tights and shoes ranging from two-toned saddle shoes to black leather Mary Janes. The boys are clothed in somewhat sturdier winter outfits. On their feet appear an assortment of old-fashioned sneakers, hush puppies or scuffed leather boots. The onstage actors bring an exuberant glow to Christmas preparations that Charlie Brown (played here by Ben Kindler) doesn’t seem to feel. As Charlie searches for “the true meaning of Christmas,” his dog, Snoopy, nearly steals the show. Snoopy is the first character seen. Since he makes only a series of odd noises, his antics are accompanied by the terrific onstage piano playing by Jack Forbes Wilson. Wilson is pure perfection as he plays Bill Melendez’s jazz score. Throughout the show, Wilson keeps an impish grin on his face. It’s clear he enjoys watching the children in the audience as they squeal in delight at Snoopy’s antics. Although the TV version is “played” by a small beagle, Snoopy takes on much larger dimensions in the show. The talented adult actor Matt Daniels, standing more than six feet tall, wears a unique get-up as Snoopy. It includes a spotted black-and-white sweater, a white cap, white jeans and white tennis shoes. In the first scene, Daniels pokes into his large dog house and does some housecleaning. To the audience’s increasing delight, Daniels tosses out a golf club, baseball mitt, potted plant, a copy of “War and Peace,” a duck-shaped pool toy and other such nonsensical items. Daniels’ mastery of physical comedy entrances the younger children during the entire show. Although this reviewer doesn’t usually encourage parents to take very small children to the theater, this show’s comedy and nonstop, fast-paced action should quiet even a rambunctious three-year-old. With Snoopy getting most of the attention, it’s easy to overlook the spot-on performances of the rest of the gang: Lucy (Claire Zempel), Schroeder (Ben Kramer), Pig Pen (Andrew Kindler), Violet (Claire Holtebeck) and Sally (Michalena McQuide). All these young actors, as well as many others, are very well coached by director Jeff Frank, the company’s artistic director. The highlight of the TV special, as well as the First Stage production, is when Linus shares a biblical passage that explains the birth of Jesus. As Linus continues his monologue, the other children in the cast file in silently to hear the story. That’s one moment out of many that will be remembered by audiences who make “A Charlie Brown Christmas” part of their holiday entertainment. For families (especially those with very young children) who are looking for something that will please toddlers to grandma and grandpa, look no further than A Charlie Brown Christmas.
