SNOOPY THE MUSICAL. Directed by Darryl Spijkers. Based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M Schulz. Music: Larry Grossman. Musical Director: Kathy Lin. Lyrics: Hal Hackady. Vocal Coach: Jon-Paul Ruschenbaum. Costumes: David Pamplin. Lighting and choreography: Wicus Louw. Set design: Waldo Buckle and Zain Cassiem. Presented by G&S. At Artscape Arena until 18 February.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews
On his retirement cartoonist Charles M Schulz declared “no cartoonist will be permitted to carry on my Peanuts cartoon strip.” This meant young people born after 2000, missed out growing up knowing Schulz’s quirky characters.
They’d only learn about Snoopy the beagle; “muddling up” Peppermint Patty; “crabby” Lucy; “complex” Sally; Linus and his blanket; “twittering” Woodstock and “loveable loser” Charlie Brown if they attended Clark Gesner’s musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, or Larry Grossman’s musical, Snoopy.
A delightful two hours
Presently showing in Artscape’s Arena, Darryl Spijkers production is a delightful two hours spent with adults living out a children’s world. Set designers Waldo Buckle and Zain Cassiem have dressed the tiny arena stage with facades of three, small, multi-coloured semi-detached hut-like homes – a closeness indicating Snoopy’s characters are tightly knit buddies. Suspended above the huts a cloudlike cut-out acts as a video screen on which clips further the story line. Other bits and pieces add to taking the audience into a child’s space
On audience right is Snoopy’s (Jaydon Farao) red kennel, next to Snoopy’s kennel a white picket fence hides the four-piece Harvest Band, and on audience left is a silver nest where Woodstock (Erin Gemmell) lies curled up.
Snoopy, as the only human acting an animal, wears whites and a brushed up hairdo. Other characters are costumed in typical Schulz designed clothes and beginning with The World According to Snoopy, the musical unfolds in sung, danced and spoken vignettes.
Other than a slim theme that Snoopy is growing independent of Charlie no real story line is followed. However, as the musical is based on Schulz’s daily cartoon strip, instinctively adults take each scene on its own merits. Youngsters younger than 10 years old may find difficulty understanding each episode, as well as Hal Hackady’s lyrics. These are subtly layered, sometimes making reference to literary works such as a school scene touching in on Edgar Allan Poe.
Excellent portraits
That aside, Spijkers has a cast who individually and collectively drew excellent portraits of Schulz’s Peanut gallery. Craig Nudelman’s big smile matches Charlie Brown’s. As does his shuffling walk, vacant eyes and concerns that Snoopy is becoming too independent. Pretty as a picture Bryony Bosman as Sally, sister to Charlie, bounded happily around in plaits, pink hair ribbons matching her dress and shoes.
In Hurry Up Face, Peppermint Patty (Martine Kawalsky) sang with all the self-deprecation children feel when some part of their anatomy doesn’t please them. Unlike loveable bright-faced Linus (Simon Thompson), Lucy (Robyn Williams) is testy. While Snoopy’s best friend Woodstock (Gemmell) sparkles, miming and dancing her way through Wicus Louw’s suitable choreography. Gemmell’s action soundlessly telling Snoopy she loves a worm, deserves a CATA award nomination.
And we shared her excitement bringing Snoopy a letter informing him he’s been made Head Beagle. Joining Gemmell for an awards nomination is Snoopy’s heartbreaking Mother’s Day and Daisy Hill.
Although Larry Grossman’s music pleases the ear, he hasn’t composed any memorable tunes. However, Snoopy the Musical is well performed and presented, but not really suitable for anyone under 10 years of age.
What: Snoopy The Musical
Where: Artscape Arena, Cape Town
When: Until 18 February, 2018
Book tickets: 021 421 7695
WS
