Regional Theatre of the Palouse presents ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

GABRIELLA RAMOS, Evergreen mint editor

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The Regional Theatre of the Palouse is performing a familiar and light-hearted production with the opening of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Thursday, Aug. 18.

The newest version of the play was written and produced for Broadway and features new songs, lyrics and dialogue. Based on the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schutz, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will introduce audiences to six “Peanuts” characters: Lucy, Sally, Snoopy, Linus, Schroeder and Charlie Brown.

“Because this is a Broadway show, it’s not only for children. It was written with adults in mind also,” Executive Director John Rich said.

The show provides adults with the opportunity to reminisce with some of their favorite childhood cartoon characters brought to life with singing and dancing.

“It is endearing to see adults being children again as they bring their love for cartoons and ‘Peanuts’ characters to the stage,” Assistant Director Michael Todd said.

All of the costumes featured in the show have been created originally by RTOP’s costume designer, a WSU student, Jasper Barbosa-Rodriguez.

“Beyond producing Broadway-caliber shows, students in the theatre build professional skills and their resumes,” Todd said. “We have a lot of professional development opportunities for students that can be seen at our shows.”

Rich and Todd encourage students to get integrated in the community off campus by attending RTOP’s productions and getting involved in the theatre.

RTOP will hold auditions for their next production “Rabbit Hole” for the theatre’s After Dark series throughout August. RTOP is in search of three actresses and two actors to play roles in this Pultizer Prize-winning drama that deals with themes of grieving and healing. “Rabbit Hole” will open Sept. 22, 2016.

“After Dark is an exciting season that we developed for young adult audiences, so the topics in the series are more current and edgy that students and young adults can identify with and find interesting,” Rich said.

For those interested in auditioning for “Rabbit Hole,” call RTOP for more information or fill out an audition form online at rtoptheatre.org.

“I really want to help bring students into the community because we are very welcoming and have a local support system that students should get to know,” Rich said.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” opens Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door: $20 for adults, $12 for children.