Fall play offers interesting twist on Charlie Brown

“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” is the next production in the Dramatic Arts repertoire.

"Dog Sees God" involves eight young actors and actresses playing the iconic characters of the timeless Peanut comic strip, but this play asks: what if they grew up?

“It is bound to ruffle some feathers,” said Brian Tyrrell, director and fine arts professor. “My hope is that the audience does not prejudge the characters as one would judge a book by its cover.”

One thematic question raised by the play has to do with Charlie Brown and his search for an identity separate from that of his childhood.

“It’s still Charlie Brown’s show, but each of the other characters have a wonderful depth to them as well,” said Tyrrell.

The themes in the play are what will most alienate an audience expecting the classic Peanuts characters, said Tyrrell. “What they will see is a Charlie Brown who is questioning his sexual identity, the previously-perpetually-surrounded-by-a-dust-cloud Pigpen as a germa- and homophobe and a Lucy who's been imprisoned for setting the little red-headed girl's hair on fire."

Contrary to the more adult aspects of the play, the stage is set to reflect elements integral to Charles Schultz’s comics.  The red doghouse and miniature piano both make appearances.

“The stage reflects the outgrowth of the childhood world and loss of innocence,” said Tyrrell.  “Upon walking into the theatre, the audience will realize ‘oh my goodness, I’m in the world of Charlie Brown!’”

Despite the Peanuts iconography, one cannot stay a child forever. This is undeniably evident in the mature themes of “Dog Sees God,” and these themes are why the play appeals greatly to a younger audience.

“In a world where both Snoopy and Woodstock have died, it shakes the foundation we had as kids akin to the discovery of the loss of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy,” said Tyrrell. “Charlie Brown now concerns himself with big-picture questions like ‘Where do we go when we die?’ and ‘Is there a nirvana?’”

While the morals of the play are undeniably relevant today, how they are derived may seem questionable to some audiences.

“I am very lucky to work in an academic setting. A regional theatre company would never perform this play in a place whose goal is to make money,” said Tyrrell. “Our mission as educators is to challenge points of view.”

“Dog Sees God” will run Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 12-14 and 19-21. Performances on Thursdays are $4 (students) or $5 (non-students) at 7 p.m. and on all other days at 8 p.m. for $8 or $10. The show's running time is 80 minutes without intermission.

For more information or for tickets, contact Tyrrell at ext. 301.