Review: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown by Castle Craig Players

MERIDEN, CT - YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is being presented outdoors for two performances only at the Bandshell at Hubbard Park in Meriden. The musical marks Castle Craig Players’ first live in person show in over a year.

I enjoyed the last production of this show at Castle Craig, but I was invited to review this production because most of the performers were not part of the previous cast. It was great to see the piece on a much larger space; the cast is able to make use of the space outside the bandshell, which is more effective before darkness falls.

The musical is presented in short vignettes, much like a comic strip, but the fun musical numbers make it into a Broadway style performance.

Ian Galligan dons the yellow shirt with the black zigzag once again to lead the cast in the role of Charlie Brown, and is both funny and adorable. The young actor made his theatrical debut on the CCP stage 26 years ago and is now a resident director for the company.

Arthur Canova, a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University and now a middle school Physical Education teacher, may be the tallest member of the cast, but is believable in the role of Linus with his ever-present blanket.

The talented Jennifer Del Sole returns to the role of Sally and is as adorable as always. A special education teacher in Southington, this young actress has grown up on the CCP stage; she calls Sally one of her favorite roles and it shows.

Francesca Fontanez of Meriden takes on the role of the crabby Lucy in her Castle Craig debut. Music Director Nick Caisullo is perfectly cast in the onstage role of the Beethoven-loving pianist Schroder, counting down the days until his idol’s birthday. Caisullo is the band director at Washington Middle School, where he also works as the tech director of the drama club.

Stephen Koehler, a recent graduate of James Madison University with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in theater who is studying to be an actuary, is delightful in the role of the beagle Snoopy. His solos on top of the dog house made everyone smile.

Melanie Del Sole, a cofounder of this company with her father, directed the charming musical with Mark Laucella as her assistant. Chelsea Dacey designed the charming choreography, that even includes a bit of the well-known dance scene from the Christmas cartoon. Dusty Rader was the lighting designer of the outdoor lighting and Jim Kane served as sound designer. There were a few times where microphones were not turned on quickly enough on opening night, but overall the sound was very good, especially for an outdoor performance.

The authentic set was built by Mark Laucella and the busy stage crew kept things moving. There are tall panels painted in the style of the iconic clothing worn by the Peanuts characters that are a nice touch, and a large cutout school bus that takes the characters to school. I loved seeing some of the props I remembered, especially the supersized pencils used for writing the Peter Rabbit book reports.

Castle Craig provides via email some information to help make the most of the "in the park" experience. Hubbard Park is located at 999 West Main Street in Meriden. Watch for the small sign that marks the entrance to the park.

Tonight’s performance begins at 7:30PM, but you may arrive as early as 6:30 PM. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The seating area has a slight slope, so most locations offer a good view of the stage. Bring your own chairs, blankets, etc; chairs are suggested for the best view of the stage. The performance runs approximately 2 hours, including intermission.

You may bring your own food and beverages. Coolers are allowed and plenty of bug spray is also strongly suggested. Concessions and bottled water are available for sale.

There is a parking lot located across from the Tennis Courts and Pool. There is also limited roadside parking along Mirror Lake Drive that tends to fill up fast. If you use the lot, I suggest that you bring a flashlight to help you find your way back to your car.

There are two designated entrances at the rear of the seating area. You may use either entrance. You do not need to print out the e-ticket, we will have a list. Please check in with the volunteer at the gate when you arrive at the lawn.

Indoor restrooms are available. When you enter the ticketed area, you’ll be given a wristband to be used for reentry, should you need to use the restroom, go back to your car, etc. For audience members who are fully vaccinated, masks are optional. For audience members who are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you please wear a mask anytime you leave your seat.

Instead of printed programs, a QR code is available to scan for the digital program.

Tickets on sale here: https://bit.ly/34GGQqR

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.