Know Thyself

 

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Rob Bassett as Charlie Brown and Laura Majidian as Lucy in "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Brookfield Theatre - on stage Feb. 9 to 24, 2024 - photo by Stephen Cihanek

Along with the signature song "Happiness" that recalls the simple things that bring joy each day, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and the Peanuts cartoons have messages that resonate with all people. Whether it is Schroeder advising Lucy to "know thyself" or Lucy advising Charlie Brown for self-awareness or Linus extolling the values in searching for personal happiness or Sally Brown advocating for herself, the positive messages are simple and straight forward, easily understood by old and young alike.

"There are no big answers; there are only small answers in the now, such as the joys of food and friendship."

This article from the BBC discusses the philosophy behind the cartoon and the characters: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20181112-good-grief-the-beguiling-philosophy-of-peanuts

While this article from Philosophy Now suggests that Peanuts is Existentialist: https://philosophynow.org/issues/44/Sartre_and_Peanuts 

Psychology Today meanwhile examines each of the characters in regards to personality psychology: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/and-all-jazz/201003/the-charlie-brown-theory-personality

And finally, this article from Bustle highlights 15 Life Lessons From Charles M Schultz: https://www.bustle.com/articles/122188-15-life-lessons-from-charles-m-schultzs-peanuts-gang

Of course, the most important thing about "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" is that it is a fun and cheerful musical! The production at Brookfield Theatre on stage from Feb 9 to 24 is visually and musically playful and the actors are exceptional. Don't miss this wonderful show - get your tickets at https://brookfieldtheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200442982/

Bella Delgado as Sally, Laura Majidian as Lucy, Rob Bassett as Charlie Brown, Jami Valzania as Schroeder, and Amanda Friedman as Snoopy in "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Brookfield Theatre - on stage Feb. 9 to 24, 2024 - photo by Stephen Cihanek



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