“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Terrace Playhouse, Ansbach (Heather M. Burchett)

Like most days, this kid is pessimistic about today, even though it is just “an average day in the life of Charlie Brown.”

The musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” directed by Margi Ritscher and performed at the Terrace Playhouse, USAG Ansbach, is a fun stroll down memory lane, with the funny youthful gang that has brought us laughter for so many years.

With an adult cast of six playing young kids (and a dog), this show is non-stop laughs. Charlie Brown (SGT Marco Contreras) leads the Peanuts gang and is a great centerpiece of the performance. Contreras has the audience laughing the whole show.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Terrace Playhouse, Ansbach (Heather M. Burchett)

As Charlie Brown’s day progresses, we get to know each Peanuts character a little better during small musical vignettes. The cast brings classic scenes back to life, including small details like the way Sally (CPL Brooklyn King) shuffle-walks everywhere.  In one heartwarming number, Linus (SGT Carson Bass) sings and dances with his blue blanket (played by stage manager Alma Lissette Godden); it feels like a dip back into the innocence of childhood. In contrast, Snoopy (Nina Kladnik) joyfully cartwheels across stage. Kladnik adeptly pairs the dog’s sarcastic looks and one-liners with high-energy movement.

Costumes are cute, simple recreations of the traditional character outfits, while the set and props are a creative nod to the Peanuts comic strip heritage with bright colors and stylized outlining. We get to see Lucy (Stephanie Gebert) “help” Charlie Brown at her psychiatric stand. Snoopy flies atop the doghouse. A paper bag is put over a head. At one point, Schroeder (Emil. J. Navarrete) is sitting on the floor, legs hysterically protruding from under his grand piano that Lucy is using as a lounger.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Terrace Playhouse, Ansbach (Heather M. Burchett)

The music in this show is top notch, and includes a four member band directed by talented Ansbach native, Alex Nitschke. When “Suppertime” comes along the audience already anticipates the fun choreography and incredible singing talent on this stage. As the show closes with “Happiness,” it’s hard not to reflect on the small things that bring a smile to our faces.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Terrace Playhouse, Ansbach (Heather M. Burchett)

The small cast impressively includes three active-duty military members who were all available, along with director Ritscher, to meet before the show in the lobby. The shared stories and laughs in the lobby made the experience even more memorable. Get to the theater early to grab a drink from the concessions and chat with the gang.

Tickets for this family-friendly show are available online at Webtrac, or at MWR Central and at the door prior to the show. Booking ahead is highly recommended.

Upcoming show Dates: