Synopsis
Snoopy gets a musical at Area Stage
The Peanuts gang resurfaces in a production staged by original director Arthur Whitelaw.
by Christine Dolen
MIAMI HERALD
January 17, 2012
Area Stage Company, a pioneering Lincoln Road company admired for its strong productions of challenging plays, has lately carved out a niche in its larger Coral Gables home with ambitious musicals performed by conservatory students.
With its new production of Snoopy! The Musical, Area is easing back into professional fare, tapping some of those talented students and a couple of pros for its blended cast. The seven actors have worked with a director who knows the material as well as anyone: Arthur Whitelaw, the veteran producer, actor, writer and director who helped write the musical’s script. Whitelaw also produced and staged the original Off-Broadway production in 1982 and directed a 2004 London production.
Snoopy!, the sequel to You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, is a decent choice for a young cast. After all, the gang in the über popular Peanuts comic strips and specials is made up of kids, plus Charlie Brown’s irrepressible dog Snoopy and his little yellow bird pal Woodstock. Whitelaw’s direction is fine, David Graden’s set and costumes are cartoon colorful, and the actors are mostly up to the not-too-taxing demands of the script and songs.
The show itself is affectionate, inconsequential family entertainment. The script – by “Charles M. Schulz Creative Enterprises,” Warren Lockhart, Michael L. Grace and Whitelaw – is a collection of short scenes focused on different characters and their signature interests.
Snoopy (Joshua Dobarganes) is a sassy, independent pooch who misses his mama and dreams of a career as a famous novelist. Linus (Marc Alvarez) lugs his blanket and waits for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. Lucy (Anamari Mesa) dispenses psychiatric advice and bullies Charlie Brown (David Harrison). Tomboyish Peppermint Patty (Marilyn Caserta) wants to be pretty already so that Charlie Brown will appreciate her. Sally (Brigid Kegel) is into coat-hanger sculptures. And nervous little Woodstock (Giancarlo Rodaz) mainly delivers publishers’ rejection letters to his doggy pal.
The performers handle Michelle Petrucci’s choreography well, crisply tapping to When Do the Good Things Start? to end the first act. Among the songs by composer Larry Grossman and lyricist Hal Hackady, Snoopy’s Mother’s Day is poignant, and Patty’s Poor Sweet Baby is overflowing with faux tenderness, thanks to the impressive Caserta, who clearly has a future in musical theater.
Dobarganes, the only member of Actors’ Equity in the cast, gives a big comedic performance in the title role, as he should. Yet more than once he wanders off-key, like Snoopy breaking free of a leash.
If you’re a huge Peanuts fan or are looking for some live family-friendly entertainment, Snoopy! isn’t a bad choice. But will you do a happy Snoopy dance out the door after you see it? Probably not.
Join Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the Peanuts gang in a romp through the struggles and joys that they endure in their daily life. With a wonderful cast of the characters you know and love, Snoopy! The Musical is a fun, kind hearted show that is great for the whole family!
Snoopy is a musical comedy by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady, with a book by Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw, and Michael Grace.
Directed by Arthur Whitelaw
Theater Information
“Area is and was one of the first really adventurous avant-garde theater companies. It offered a tailored-made theater concept and attitude that helped galvanized a real interest in theater.” The Miami Herald
Area Stage is doing something special here. These kids that I met and performed for me are a testament to that. If you want to check out a different, daring play starring young dedicated actors who are eons away from your typical local high school drama productions, and possibly even veteran stage troupes, you should check (it) out ..." New Times
Mission
To create world-class theatrical productions that help tear down barriers and bridge cultural gaps; to emphasize our similarities and to encourage an appreciation of our differences. ASC will be a microcosm of Miami’s new cultural diversity, presenting productions in English and Spanish, in addition to a line up of dance, music, poetry, and art.
“ standards of acting, direction and design that have eclipsed those at many larger theatres.”
The Miami Herald
History
Founded in 1989, on Lincoln Road in South Beach, the Area Stage Company has been a pioneering and vibrant award-winning theater company, presenting over seventy productions that include; original works: Passage by Loretta Greco, Sleepwalkers by Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, Arrivals and Departures and Lenin’s Omelet by Rogelio Martinez; South Eastern premieres: Rum & Coke, written and performed by Carmen Pelaez, the English language production of La Chunga by Mario Vargas Llosa and Agua Ardiente written and performed by John Michael Garces; Co-productions: El Arte de Quejarse (Kvetch) by Steven Berkoff with Venevision International at the Riviera and also with Teatro Centro de Arte, Ecuador, S. A..
“ the attention to detail, the striving for perfection .” The Miami Herald
John Rodaz, Artistic Director johnrodaz@teatroareastage.com
Maria Banda-Rodaz, Executive Director mariarodaz@teatroareastage.com
Arelys Hernandez, Gallery Director gallery@teatroareastage.com
Rachel Rodaz, Development – Youth Programs
Area Stage Company is a 501(C)(3) Tax Exempt Organization
Websitehttp://www.areastagecompany.com
Contact Phone305-666-2078
Box Office Phone305-666-2078
Box Office Emailmariarodaz@yahoo.com
