Children's Classic Comes to the Retro Dome

Nothing rings in the holidays better than classic children's movies and cartoons.

In 1985, the musical, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown debuted on television.

The Retro Dome Theater at Westgate Shopping Center kicked off the live performance of this children's story last night and will continue through Dec. 18

Campbell Patch interviewed Shannon Guggenheim of Campbell, who plays Sally in the production about theater, her memories of this children's classic, and what the audience should expect.

Campbell Patch: When did you get involved in theater?

Shannon Guggenheim: My kindergarten teacher informed my mom that I was "uncoordinated" and suggested she put me in some dance classes, where I ultimately showed great promise and went on to study and teach tap, jazz and ballet.

I did my first live theatre production at age 10, playing the title role in Cinderella. The following year I played Lucy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and went on to choreograph the production for a some community theatres years later. And now, I get to revisit this classic and fabulous work in the role of Sally.

Patch: When was the first time you watched You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown? 

Guggenheim: I honestly didn't watch the cartoon special of YAGMCB until this year. In the '80s when it was released we simply didn't have the access to televised programs the way we do now so unless you caught it on TV the night it was broadcast, you probably didn't see it.

Patch: What stayed with you about the specials you did see?

Guggenheim: The Charlie Brown Christmas and Great Pumpkin specials stayed with me much more. I love the scene when Charlie Brown is trying to get the Peanuts Gang ready for the Christmas show and they all start dancing in their fabulous, cartoony way to Vince Guaraldi's quintessential Linus & Lucy theme.

Patch: How do you feel about being part of this show in this capacity now?

Guggenheim: It's definitely like "going home again." Even though the text is simple and certainly not the most thought-provoking piece we've done, there is a charm and delicacy about these timeless characters that make them accessible now matter what you are when you meet them.

I love the idea that I can share these characters with my 9 year old, who's about the same age I was when I first learned about the Peanuts Gang. 

Patch: What should audiences look forward to?

Guggenheim: From a professional standpoint, I love the fact that we're are producing this show with a cast of consumate professionals.

Local audiences have never seen such a capable, experienced and talented group of actors in these roles. Unless you caught this version of the show on Broadway in its 1999 revival, you've probably only ever seen it performed by youth or a community theatre.

What a treat to get to hear these songs performed with huge voices, creating amazing harmonies and see the characters come to life by pros.

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown will be performed at The Retro Dome, 1694 Saratoga Ave., San Jose through Dec. 18. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Reserved seating $38.50-$26.50 Senior, Military, Child, and Group discounts available.