I have always loved the 1965 animated television special Charlie Brown Christmas and who doesn’t love that twig of a tree. This iconic cartoon is a Christmas tradition for my son and I. I thought that the "Charlie Brown Christmas-Live on Stage" would be a great way to kick off the Holiday Season. So even though this show is for families I thought- why shouldn't “kids at heart” like me also enjoy the magic? I was ready to experience all my favorite characters and kick off the season just like a kid even if I would be sitting among a bunch of kids!
Reflection
There were both “big” and real kids in
the audience enjoying this familiar Charles M. Schulz comic strip story. The best part was the live musical trio with Schroeder on piano and Pig- Pen on drums
that played all the familiar Peanuts tunes during the show. I loved this jazzy music and when the Peanuts gang started their toe dance (watch here).
that played all the familiar Peanuts tunes during the show. I loved this jazzy music and when the Peanuts gang started their toe dance (watch here).
As I looked around at the audience I
enjoyed watching the stares of children as they focused on the show and especially
the sound of children laughing. Even the big kid to my right, my date, seemed
to be enjoying this familiar story of the real meaning of
Christmas.
My favorite part was when the spotlight found Linus and he gave his
monologue from the Bible explaining to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. This part of the story always evokes a personal feeling of peace and is my reminder to try and curb the commercial urges
of the season (watch here).
The show ended with a 15 minute fun
sing along that contained all of my favorite Christmas songs and concluded with a jazzy, “We Wish You a
Merry Christmas”.
I am now energized to tackle the holiday. As I do, I will
remember to keep it simple, enjoy it
like a kid, and focus on what Christmas is all about to me! (To find the Charlie Brown Christmas Live tour near your click here)
(Go to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to see more upcoming events that might get you in the spirit of the season. )
Spiritual Reflection
(Linus's Christmas Speech)
(Linus's Christmas Speech)
And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo,
the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round
about them and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not
for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger”
And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace good will toward men”
(Luke 2:8-14)
Other Sources
Find show near you https://www.acharliebrownchristmaslive.com/
Other Sources
Find show near you https://www.acharliebrownchristmaslive.com/