You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to play Hayes Theatre, cast announced

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Fresh off the return season of Rent at the Hayes, Shaun Rennie will direct You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, playing at the Hayes from Tuesday 5 July 2016. And yes – all your favourites will be brought to life onstage. This one is great for children and families, and for those who just love musicals.

Here’s how it’s billed: “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.”

Sheridan Harbridge will star in the production. Photo by Blueprint Studios

The musical premiered off-Broadway in 1967, but this production at the Hayes is based on Michael Mayer-helmed (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spring Awakening) Broadway run from 1999; Kristin Chenoweth and Roger Bart each picked up a Tony award for their performances. This version features additional dialogue by Mayer and additional songs and orchestration by Andrew Lippa (the composer of the work is Clark Gesner).

“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, “ said 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.”

“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,” said 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.”

And who are those actors? They are: 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.

Find out more information about the show, and book tickets, at the Hayes Theatre Co website.

Cassie Tongue

Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.