‘Snoopy’ stripped to essentials at West Charleston

Friday, Dec. 6, 2002 | 8:54 a.m.

They are the loveable characters created by one of the most lovable cartoonists.

In comic strips and animated cartoons, the witty and brilliant gang from "Peanuts" ponder life, insecurities, love and friendships.

Tonight the characters will hit the stage at the West Charleston Arts Center to perform "Snoopy! The Musical."

Created in the 1970s by Larry Grossman and lyricist Hal Hackady, "Snoopy! The Musical" brings to the stage some of Charles Schulz's more popular comic strips.

"We have all the favorites, including the psychiatrist booth and Snoopy's doghouse," said Karen McKenney, "Snoopy" choreographer and artistic director for Rainbow Company, which is presenting the musical.

The cast includes Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Sally Brown, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Schroeder, Frieda, Marcie and Violet.

Songs range from "Overture: The World According to Snoopy" to "Woodstock's Theme" and "The Great Writer (It Was a Dark and Stormy Night)."

"I was looking for something popular and appropriate for the holiday season and something that hasn't been done over and over again," McKenney said.

"This goes through the whole year beginning with the Easter Beagle and they close with kind of a Christmas theme.

"The short vignettes reflect the spirit of the 'Peanuts' cartoons."

After its introduction in October 1950 "Peanuts" became one of the most widely recognized cartoons. By his death in February 2000, Schulz was considered a national treasure.

"Snoopy! the Musical" followed Clark Gesner's Broadway musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" written in 1967.

The local production is directed by Las Vegas instructor and director Brian Kral. The cast ranges in age from 12 to 19.

"I know some of the kids in our cast didn't know a lot about the 'Peanuts' characters," McKenney said. "Some were familiar with cartoons on TV but they didn't know about the strip."

But, she added, "Some of them were very familiar with 'Peanuts.' The man who plays Charlie Brown is a collector and aficionado."

Similar to the comic strip, the musical is designed to appeal to all ages.

"Those children have wisdom that adults can enjoy," McKenney said. "And with losing Charles Schulz recently, there seems to be a real interest."