Southern Utah University hosted a celebration for the 60 year anniversary of the Christmas classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec. 4 and 6 in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. In partnership with the Southern Utah Museum of Art, SUU Alumni performed a stage rendition of the Christmas special for the Cedar City community.
Alumni, students and community members packed into the theatre to watch the 30-minute play. Free general admission tickets were sold out days in advance, and 10 minutes before the showing a long line of stand-by attendees waited for any possible open seating.
Cast members got the audience to join in on Christmas carols, original peanuts dance moves and laughter. However, the most infectious thing in the building was the laughter of a toddler in the audience. Almost as though their Christmas cheer stole the show.
All cast and crew of the play are SUU alumni who gathered back in Cedar City to share the Christmas cheer. Along with the cast’s widespread theatrical talent, the play showcased a live on stage band playing all of the beloved peanuts classic songs.
Actor Spencer Watson, class of 24, portrayed Charlie Brown. This was Watson’s second time playing Charlie as he portrayed him in SUU’s own production of “You a good man, Charlie Brown.”
“When I was offered a chance to play him again, I knew I couldn’t say no to the chance of reprising the role!” said Watson.
Before the show, locals and students gathered right next door to the theatre at SUMA to enjoy a pre-show celebration. The museum provided activities such as, blanket tying, ornament making, hot chocolate and an exhibit to wander while classic Christmas songs played. Vendor tables offered gifts and trinkets for purchase and SUMA staff provided additional information on the Charlie Brown play.
In coordination with the performance, the museum is exhibiting behind the scenes details about the movie and its production from November 7 to January 3. Community members and students are invited to attend the showcase of how Charles M. Schulz curated the timeless animations in 1965. The exhibits include original comic-strips of the peanuts and more.
For more information check SUMA’s website.
Author: Kate Stevens
Editor: Fanny Felixine
Photos by Kate Stevens
life@suunews.net
