Man’s best friend is making his way to the Bowlus stage this weekend.
Allen Community College Theatre will present, “Snoopy: The Musical” tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The musical brings the beloved “Peanuts” comic strip to life and tells the tale of the day-to-day life of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and his friends.
The production will bring out the inner child in anyone.
The plotless play rapidly jumps from scene to scene — just like the comic strip.
Snoopy, played by Roy Anderson, can’t be bothered by performing silly tricks like sitting up, rolling over or playing dead. He has too much going on in his life. Like becoming a “Great Writer,” or becoming the “Big Bow-Wow.”
Anderson’s portrayal of the well-known beagle is delightful, witty and doesn’t disappoint.
Snoopy spends much of his time with his bird friend, Woodstock played by Miguel Roberts. Woodstock flutters around stage and mimes his conversation to Snoopy and the children. The lack of lines doesn’t limit Roberts. Rather, it only makes his character more comical.
Jeremy Francis (Charlie Brown) and Jacob Cooper (Linus) are spot on with their portrayals of the two young boys. Charlie just wants his dog to listen every now and then and have meaning in the world. Linus clutches his blanket in every scene and hopes to see the “Great Pumpkin.”
The three lead actresses, Calloway Patterson (Lucy), Diniesha Stoner (Sally), and Katie Terhune (Peppermint Patty), are a dynamic trio. Their combined vocals harmonize beautifully in the musical numbers, especially on “I Know Now.”
Lucy is sort of a know-it-all and bosses the other kids around. Sally is hoping to get by in school even if her teacher gives her a “C” on a project. Tom boy Peppermint Patty has her fingers crossed hoping someday she’ll grow into her “big nose” and Charlie Brown will like her the way she likes him.
The fast-paced production is split into two acts with a brief 10-minute intermission. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults. ACC students get in free with a student I.D. They are available at Iola Pharmacy and at the door.
Susan McKinnis is the director and choreographer and Ted Clous is the musical director.
Allen troupe brings comic strip to life
