REVIEW: A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Empress Theatre

Photo courtesy Deanne Jones

A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Empress Theatre in Magna, UT
November 28 – December 20, 2014 (Mon, Fri, Sat)

For the last three years we have kicked off the holiday season by seeing the current holiday production at The Empress Theatre. This year it’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, and is great for those that have grown up loving Charlie Brown, and the younger generation that has recently been introduced to it.

Because this production is based on the classic television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, it’s shorter than most of the productions we’ve seen at The Empress. This is great because parents will feel more comfortable bringing their younger children, and not just the older ones. It’s a great production for all generations to enjoy together!

Because the production is shorter, with no intermission, the cast members interact with the crowd before the show begins, and afterward as well. Audience members can write a letter to Santa with Sally, or purchase inexpensive concessions inside the theater from Lucy, Charlie, Linus and other cast members. We love how many of the concessions this year have been geared towards the production. At this specific show, we purchased a Crunch bar that had the Peanuts gang on it.

“There is always so much to do at Christmas time,” said director Lindsay Boucher. “It is easy to get stuck in the hustle and bustle of the season and to miss the spirit of the season. As Lucy says, it is a time to set aside our differences and try to be kind.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a heartwarming story of a young boy that is having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. As he searches for the true meaning, he finds that everybody around him, even his dog, has “gone commercial”.

Kevin Pope as Schroeder
- photo courtesy Deanne Jones

One thing we really loved about this production was the characters. In all of the cast members, we could see the resemblance in all of their mannerisms and personality traits as in the cartoon we’ve grown up loving. I laughed hysterically during the dancing in the Christmas Play Rehearsal scene; I loved how the cast members accurately portrayed a dancing cartoon! It was right in line with the cartoon.

Robert Johnston as Charlie Brown
- photo courtesy Deanne Jones

“We hope as you watch these lovable Peanuts characters that you will be able to stop and reflect on the wonderful spirit and power of the Christmas season. Merry Christmas!” – Lindsay Boucher, director

This was the perfect way for us to kick off the holiday season, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for a fourth year in 2015!

  
David Sullivan as Pig Pen, Margo Meyer as Lucy van Pelt, and Chalese Craig as Sally Brown
- Photo courtesy Deanne Jones

  
Connie Beaty as Frieda, Nathan Unck as Linus, and Kristina Johnson as Violet
- Photo courtesy Deanne Jones

I was provided with two complimentary tickets to attend for my review. I was not compensated financially, nor was I required or persuaded to write any specific type of review. The views and opinions are all my own.