The second I knew this classic production of Charlie Brown and the Peanut gang was going to be at the kicked off for 2023, I knew this was one I had to review. As personal fan of the comic strip, which brought back some childhood memories, I walked in with extremely high expectations… as well as nerves about whether my twin 5 year old boys would enjoy the hour-long musical.
Did it live up to being of interest for all ages? Absolutely.
The theater was filled with laughter from parents, grandparents, and little ones. The energy brought on by the cast from start to end was absolutely infectious, and the cheering at the end of the musical proved how successful the musical was.
We were invited to attend this performance to share our experiences; all opinions are my own.
Review of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Marriott Theater
This was our first time at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire. When we walked in, we were greeted by seating on four sides of the theater, with focused lights on a small square stage in the middle of the room. It was a simple set up, with colorful boxes on stage. This special one-hour presentation is directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato, with Musical Director/Conductor Rick Bertone and Musical Supervisor Ryan T. Nelson. This musical kicked off the 2023 childrenโs theater season for the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences series.
The Peanut gang in attendance included Linus and his blanket, bossy Lucy, Schroeder showing off his piano skills, Sally figuring out perfection, Charlie Brown the lovable loser, and Snoopy in his doghouse. Props were minimal throughout the entire musical, the most we saw outside of the colored boxes on stage were a kite, Snoopy’s doghouse, a mailbox, and Lucy’s psychiatrist booth. The focus was truly on the music, singing, and the story.
The high-energy performance kept the audience’s attention for the full hour. From Charlie Brown hoping for a Valentine’s day card, Lucy hoping Schroeder would reciprocate her love, Linus sharing what happiness is through his love for his blanket, Snoopy in the dog house singing about how great life is, Charlie Brown attempting to fly his kite, to a phenomenal piano session for Beethoven day, Sally figuring out her life philosophy to a baseball game, there was no break in the energy. The hour flew past act after act, leaving the audience in stitches.
My twins loved it when Charlie Brown attempted to fly his kite. The stage was simple and the ceilings were low, so you could hear kids in the audience get excited when the kite went up. A similar reaction came during the baseball scene when a ball fell from the ceiling. The production was very well thought-out, and the details were well-received by the younger audience. On a personal note, I was in awe at the stellar cast who played their characters so well, along with music that was delightful and dancing that was full of passion and energy.
While Marriott Theatre provided extremely comfortable seating, booster seats for younger children were not provided. I saw younger children on their parents laps to be able to see the stage if there was someone taller in front of them. There was ample space for walking in and out as needed with your children. Free parking is available onsite.
The boys and I laughed and smiled throughout the hour. They understood the simple scenes, they loved the energy, and it brought me back to my simple childhood days. This is one not to be missed.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown plays most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10am with select 12:30 pm performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at (847) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com. Tickets are $15.75, plus tax and handling fees.
Our guide to live theater for kids has more local performances to look forward to, all year long. Check it out!
Past Performances and Reviews at Marriott Theatre
Our team has been enjoying shows at Marriott Theatre for years! Keep reading to get a taste of past performances at Marriott Theatre.
2 Comments. Leave new
Hello – Thanks for your review. We were considering going to this but our son is 2.5. Would it be suitable for that age as well?
Hi Julie, I would recommend ages 3+. I did see younger kids that looked like they were much younger enjoying it. The cast was extremely high energy, it was easy to get and maintain the attention of the kids.