by Bethany Reynolds

Good grief! You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown the musical comes to the Temple Theatre in Hanford. The iconic Peanuts Gang comes to life on the stage. There’s the self-deprecating Charlie Brown, the lovable oaf, the scene-stealer Lucy with her bossy ways which never impress piano prodigy Schroder, cute little Sally who is in love with security blanket-toting, philosophical Linus, and the master of joy, everybody’s favorite beagle, Snoopy. The gang’s all here.

It has been a labor of love for both Bethany Reynolds and Raelynn Royer. Reynolds started out as director for the show before passing the hat off to Royer, in favor of playing the lead Charlie Brown.

Cast of the Kings Players’ production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”

“I feel this show goes beyond the comic strip the beloved Charles M. Schultz created. The childlike yet philosophical musings are there, but it goes beyond that to deeper meaning and broader ideas like faith, love, and hope, and finding joy in the simple things. Having real people, with their unique loveliness, bring these characters to life is beautiful. Our cast is very talented, plus they make it charming and cute,” says Reynolds.

Regine Rainey plays the cheerful Sally. As an immigrant from the Philippines, Rainey is proud to be part of something that is impactful on America’s youth. “I am learning more about America, and the iconic characters that are truly a part of American culture.” Regine spent many hours watching the animated cartoon to research her part.

Christa Van Gemert and Henry Van Gemert have made it a family affair. Christa plays Lucy, and her ten-year-old son Henry plays Snoopy. Christa shares, “I love this play because it is about finding the simple joys in life, learning from your mistakes, and loving your friends and family, faults and all.”

Chariti Messer, the accompanist, is just upset she can’t be in the audience. “I laugh every single night of practice, and wish I could be out there, watching.”

This is the first musical the Temple Theatre has put on since 2007, and it is sure to win your heart. Come one, come all. The message will follow you home, and Snoopy may too.

Show dates are: November 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24. 25. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Temple Theatre, 514 E. Visalia St, Hanford, CA 93230. For more information call: (559) 584-7241.
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