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9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 Fun and ClassicFeb 23, 2005
By Kat
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.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 A good man, a great show!Mar 19, 1999
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.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Fantastic!Jun 30, 2005
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!
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Overall a Great Album, but . . .May 01, 1999
I love the music here. Nice, catchy tunes that are easily hummed.The only problem I have is the fact that I cringe like I do when I hear nails on a chalkboard whenever Ilana Levine goes up for a high note. I've seen her "Seinfeld" episode, and it's one of my favorites. I love the way she interprets Lucy's speaking parts on the disc, but, God. Someone needs to teach her how to sing. Kristen Chenoweth is a joy as always, as is B.D. Wong and Anthony Rapp. I'm slowing becoming a fan of Roger Bart's work. I saw him in the "H2$" tour, and didn't take to him at all, but the "Triumph of Love" cast album totally redeemed him. His Snoopy is right on the money. The new numbers are enjoyable, especially "My New Philosophy." "Beethoven Day" is fun, but it doesn't fit in the context of the show for some reason. It does, however, showcase the amazing vocal talent of Stanley Wayne Mathis. I mean, wow. Overall take: in CD form, a necessity to any musical theatre collection solely because it is the only recording of this show in print.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
A really cute showAug 05, 2006
By Anna Field
"musical lover"
This is a fantastic score, and though the original cast recording may be more authentic/true to the Peanuts cartoon, a clearer sound and a bigger orchestra does nothing but good for this CD. Anthony Rapp is a fantastic charlie brown and shows his distress perfectly. the song that was written for kristin chenoweth is laugh-out-loud funny and a great addition.
ilana lavine's voice is, i admit, little short of a screech, but it's only annoying because in the songs with the whole cast, you can tell she has a beautiful voice normally. for those who were complaining that her songs are unlistenable, it isn't that bad and it's part of lucy's character.
my favourite songs are 'you're a good man, charlie brown' and 'happiness'. they both have an underlying message that makes the CD worth listening to for adults as well as children. 'for happiness is anyone and anything at all that's loved by you...' how true is that? definitely buy either this or the off-broadway cast recording, but this CD has a more definite beat and rhythm and is wonderful to listen to.
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