This coming February 2012, 9 Works Theatrical brings to life the timeless characters from Charles M. Schulz’ popular comic strip “Peanuts” via the Tony award-winning musical, “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The musical runs February 11-March 3, 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati.
Based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, with book, music and lyrics by Charles Gesner, additional dialog by Michael Mayer, additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, original direction by Michael Mayer and originally produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson, “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a funny and heartwarming musical told through a series of recognizable vignettes that look into an average day in the life of Charlie Brown and draws from the richness and universality of their everyday situations--making it the perfect family musical that will surely resonate with audiences young and old.
Playing the role of Charlie Brown is 9 Works Theatrical’s Artistic Director Robbie Guevara who is currently being seen onstage as Uncle Max in Resorts World Manila's “The Sound of Music.” He is also an established director for the stage.
One of the country’s most versatile performing artists, Carla Guevara-Laforteza will be playing the role of the bossy and crabby Lucy. Carla was recently seen as Maureen Johnson in 9 Works Theatrical’s production of “Rent” and as the Sour Kangaroo in Repertory Philippines “Seussical.” In the ongoing “The Sound of Music” she plays Sister Berthe. She is currently under the management of Johnny Manahan of Star Magic.
Playing the role of Charlie Brown’s lovable dog Snoopy will be Lorenz Martinez, whose last appearance onstage was as Benjamin Coffin III in 9 Works Theatrical’s Rent.” He also plays Herr Zeller in “The Sound of Music.” He was the youngest to perform the role of the Engineer, in the Netherlands production of “Miss Saigon.”
Appearing in his first 9 Works Theatrical musical is singer-actor and TV personality Franco Laurel, who will play the blanket-toting Linus. His theater credits now include starring roles in “Rama at Sita,” Trumpets’ “Honk, The Ugly Duckling,” Dulaang UP's “St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos: The Musical” and “Isang Panaginip na Fili,” Stages' “Joseph The Dreamer” and Rep's “Sweeney Todd.”
Alternating with Laurel as Linus in certain performances is Toff de Venecia, 9 Works Theatrical’s Marketing and PR Director, who was last seen in Rep’s “Mulan Jr.” His other acting credits include the “Emperor's New Clothes” and Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”; and for Ateneo Blue Repertory--“Hope for the Flowers,” Bat Boy” and “High School Musical.”
Touted as GMA 7’s resident “Kuya” and foodie, Tonipet Gaba, is a three-time Star Awards winner for Best Children’s show host. His stage credits include essaying lead roles in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Blood Brothers,” “Oliver,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Little Mermaid”. For this production, he will be playing the sensitive piano-playing Schroeder.
Playing Charlie Brown’s younger sister Sally is Sweet Plantado, who was the musical director for Vocals for 9 Works Theatrical’s “Sweet Charity”. Sweet is a performing-recording artist who is part of the Philippine premier vocal group The CompanY.
PLUS: Klasik--Kristin Chenoweth as Lucy performing My New Philosophy, at the 1999 Tony awards.
Veteran actor Michael Williams is directing the show, with Toff de Venecia as assistant director, Joseph Tolentino as musical director-instrumentation), Sweet Plantado as musical director-vocals), Mio Infante as scenographer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Mio Infante and Twinkle Zamora to do the costumes, Richard Lazaro as photographer, Larry Palma as graphic designer and Deana Aquino in charge of choreography.
The production team is led by Santi Santamaria (executive producer), Anna Santamaria (company manager), Toff de Venecia (marketing and PR director), Jonjon Martin (PR manager), Pamela Imperial (production manager) and Jojo Amboy (stage manager).
“You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” runs February 11-March 3, 2012 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati. Friday shows at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
A limited number of performances are now available for fundraising and block-buying. For tickets and other inquiries, call 5575860, 5867105 or 0917-5545560, or email info@9workstheatrical.com.
“You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is produced by arrangement with, and the music and dialog material furnished by TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.