CEDAR CITY — The World According to SNOOPY!! was performed by The Forge Center for the Arts at the Cedar Fun Center Stage. It was directed and produced by Ellen Wheeler, by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. This show follows one of the most beloved comic strip dogs named Snoopy, as he navigates his world with his trusty friends Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Sally, and Woodstock.
According to the Forge’s website, “The World According to SNOOPY!! brings the beloved Peanuts gang to life in a joyful, family-friendly show full of humor, heart, and imagination. As Charlie Brown and his friends face everyday challenges, Snoopy’s big dreams take center stage. With catchy songs and timeless themes of friendship and confidence, this delightful musical is perfect for audiences of all ages and a fun night out for the whole family.”
Seeing The World According to SNOOPY!! is a unique first because The Forge Center for the Arts is a new theater group and their stage is located at the Cedar Fun Center – where an old movie theater was turned into a traditional theatrical stage. In a clever renovation, the stage was created by removing the floor level seats, and the remaining chairs are just as comfortable as movie theatre seating. (The only suggestion that came to mind was to maybe find a way to incorporate the old movie screen into the use of the scenery for the play itself.)
In regards to this production, scenographer Ky Habel crafts scene props like artistic masterpieces, perfectly emulating the snoopy comic strip art style. Snoopy’s dog house in particular is easily portable so it adds to Snoopy’s current placement during the play. Another standout element is the regular use of the 23-member youth ensemble throughout the play to bring to life the seven main characters’ individual stories and current thoughts visually. The ensemble adds much to the storytelling with fantastic singing and choreography. This is due in part to the work of choreographer Remington Comp. Comp maximizes the use of the ensemble in multiple genius ways throughout the play that enhances the storytelling but never distracts. One moment that stood out was the ensemble’s choreography during Snoopy’s storytelling song.
Speaking of Snoopy, Beau Barrett excellently plays the title character; he sings, acts and even tap dances his way into doggie stardom. My favorite line he said during the whole production was during the song, “I’m going to be a Big Bow Wow,” where he exclaims, “Take that Bluey!” Barrett’s interactions with fellow cast mate Charlie Heer as Woodstock was especially endearing. Woodstock is a unique character to play because he doesn’t have any comprehensive verbal lines. Instead, he has to convey everything his character is feeling and thinking through facial expressions, body movements and lots of slapstick comedy. Heer takes this challenge head-on and makes Woodstock very enjoyable to watch.
Cleod Aitchison plays a thoughtful Charlie Brown who just wants to be liked by his dog. His conversation with fellow character Peppermint Patty, played by Hayden Mortensen was especially sweet. A thing Charlie wanted someday was for a wife to call him my poor sweet baby. Patty then proceeds to sing a sweet lullaby to this dream phrase of Charlie’s. Hayden Mortensen’s singing voice is very sweet and comforting for this song. Speaking of voices, Miguel Baldonado nailed Linus’ voice perfectly! My favorite scene with Linus was when it was wash day for his comfort blanket and his sister Lucy throws it into the washer and dryer. It was especially hilarious because they had an ensemble member as the washer and dryer. They performed a silly little dance to convey both cycles complete with two socks stuck onto the cast member. Special shout out to costume designer Rochelle McLelland for the impeccable costume design!
Lastly, Avery Norris as Sally Brown shines when she sings, “Husband Material.” The interactions between her and the character Linus made me personally giggle a lot. To wrap up the crew, the great Sara Barrett was the embodiment of Lucy! Everything she does made me bust up. (Lucy is also my favorite character in the Snoopy World so I am a bit biased.) She perfectly nailed multiple songs and choreography and did a tap dance number singing, “Dime a Dozen,” along with Snoopy and fellow cast mate Beau Barrett. My favorite Lucy line was when she told Charlie Brown she would trade Snoopy in for a goldfish. Overall, The Forge Center for the Arts put on a spectacularly funny and enjoyable show. It was as warm and cuddly as Linus’ comfort blanket!
MORE INFO: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SNOOPY!! is currently playing at Cedar Fun Center, 170 E. Fiddlers Canyon Rd, Cedar City, UT 84721. Performances are held March 26-30 from 7:00-9:00 pm with a matinee on the 28th from 2:00-4:00pm. General tickets are $18, children ages 3-17 are $15, Seniors ages 55 up are $15. For the most up to date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit theforgearts.com