You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast) [Cast Recording]

Roger Bart, Andrew Lippa, Clark Gesner, Kristin Chenoweth, B.D. Wong, Peanuts (Related Recordings), Ilana Levine, Anthony Rapp, Stanley Mathis

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: RCA Victor Broadway
• ASIN: B00000I8B1
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (127 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,641 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's easy to see why You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is so popular. With its simple set and small cast, it has become a staple of high-school drama and small-scale productions all over America. Of course, this doesn't necessarily translate into a grandiose Broadway show, but this Michael Mayer-directed production is enjoyable. Anthony Rapp (Rent) plays an effective Charlie and Ilana Levine's Lucy is fun. The lively "Snoopy" number (Roger Bart plays the canine's role) is the musical's highlight, but such tunes as "Beethoven Day" really date the musical. Some may find it simplistic; others will love it. Which probably makes it a lot like the "Peanuts" comic strip itself. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Classic, February 23, 2005

By	Kat (California) - See all my reviews

When I originally bought this CD, I got it just for Kristin Chenoweth. I'd heard her sing "My New Philosophy," and hoped she would have more songs of her own. I was disappointed to find out that she only had small parts in other songs, and quickly cast the album away. But recently, I heard the local community theatre will be doing the show, so I got the CD out again and gave it another try... and was delighted!

The music is fun and classic, at the same time. Many have chosen the original, off-Broadway version because it brought back memories, or the way the characters are portrayed are more similar to the comic versions, but I disagree. As a younger fan of Broadway showtunes, I've grown up listening to the more pop and fun music of shows, like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wicked. I've never listened to the older shows, prefering the newer CDs. So for me, this is a perfect choice. The songs are upbeat and fun, and the portrayals of the characters are right on the button.

Anthony Rapp is a perfect Charlie Brown. He's lonely, simple, and yet somewhat desperate for friendship and love. His joy in finding a friend in "The Doctor is In," or finding a pencil in the classic "Happiness" is contagious. Roger Bart is a hysterical Snoopy. He's fun and full of energy, especially in "Suppertime." Kristin Chenoweth, mentioned before, is an amazing Sally. She's fun and silly, and definately has an amazing voice. The CD is worth the cost just for her "My New Philosophy"! And Stanley Mathis is amazing. His energy and georgous voice is shown in "Beethoven Day" is just too fun! The only two problems are Ilana Levine, the unbelievably screechy Lucy, and B.D. Wong, whose lisp just gets in the way. But luckily, Ilana Levine gets better after a try or two, and B.D. Wong is only annoying in "My Blanket and Me."

The revival has two new songs- "My New Philosphy" and "Beethoven Day," both are super-fun and definate highlights. But all the other songs are fun too. "The Kite" is pure fun and energy, with a secret need to get the kite in the air. The opening is a classic tune and the ultimate in fun. "Glee Club Rehearsal" is just funny, and the classic "Happiness" has been made better then ever before.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" has been a classic for ages, but it's even more of a classic now.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, June 30, 2005

A Kid's Review

I love this CD! I'm even thinking about trying to get my theatre company to put it on! The songs are awsome! The cast is awsome! Anthony Rapp makes Charlie Brown sound rather dreamy! Rodger Bart as Snoopy is so awsome! He has perfect pitch and just the perfect amount of verbrato in his voice! Kristin Chenoweth is totaly the best performance on this CD! Stanley Wayne Mathis makes Schroeder soulful, not just classical. Now for BD Wong and Ilana Levine. I personaly thought they were great! You other reveiwers seem to forget that they are actors telling a story and must sing and speak that way so they can show there acting skills! All in all this is one of the best CD's ever!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good man, a great show!, March 19, 1999

By A Customer

I played charlie brown in a junior high production of this musical-- I wish I'd had these great arrangments to sing along to! This revival has been updated and reorchestrated to include a small ensemble orchestra as opposed to the previous recording's (now out of print) single pianist. Anthony Rapp proves his talent and versatility as he comes direct from the london company of Rent to this fantastic revival. He makes a fantastic Charlie. Fans of the original show will have a great time listening for new lyrics and musical arrangments, as well as the two new songs, "Beethoven Day" and "My New Philosophy". But happily, all the old favorites still remain, from "Snoopy" to "Happiness". A jazzed-up version of "Suppertime" brings down the house, and the title song has been redone to include a new segment for Charlie, "When do the good things start?" It fits well into the themes of the show, and brings this timeless musical into the new millenium. If you know this musical, you'll love this recording. If you don't know anything about this show, you don't know what you're missing.