Highlands Ballet performs "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Highlands Ballet stages “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” an uplifting, sometimes hilarious, holiday infused classic at the at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts, on the Emory & Henry University campus, Emory, Virginia. The production is Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. This traditional Charles Shultz story is woven with humor, kid and adult life lessons, and a precocious beagle reflecting the challenges we all face each and every day.
Making its network debut in 1965 as an animated television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has become an integral part of American holiday traditions. Shultz is regarded as one of the most influential cartoonists in history and cited by many of major influence. His Peanuts cartoon strip created a significant impact on modern day comics and paved the way for many popular pop culture cartoons to follow. With trademark “no frills” illustrations, irony of humor, unflinching emotional honesty and the inner machinations of a household pet, Shutlz’s storytelling reflects a simple realism. The thoughtful feelings and sometimes kooky ruminations of children as they navigate their way through childhood in an adult driven world is masterfully represented in this classic.
Highlands Ballet weaves all these qualities into an original fresh production including a cast of 40, original choreography and costumes and a music compilation sure to move you out of your seats.
As a story recap, this tale opens as Charlie Brown and friends are on their way to have a fun day ice skating. Charlie, despondent with the evolving commercialism of Christmas, shares his melancholy with his blanket toting friend, Linus. “I just don’t understand,” he laments, “all my friends only care about what they are getting for Christmas. Everything is about decorating contests, the most glorious tree topper, greedy letters to Santa ... surely there must be more?”
Enter Charlie Brown’s bossy nemesis, Lucy, who at times doubles as a kid psychiatrist. Lucy’s advice, surprisingly astute, didn’t offer breathing exercises or mood-management, she actually gave him a purpose. Lucy suggested Charlie needed involvement and ask him to direct the Christmas play. Along his journey, Charlie finds meaning with the rescue of a scraggly Christmas tree that looked as unlovable as he felt.
In the end, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang find the true meaning of the season around an orphan tree magically transformed with their love and attention. Staying true to classic Schultz storytelling, none of it would go smoothly.
Tickets are $6 ages 12 and under; $14 students and seniors; $20 adults. They are available at the door or online at www.highlandsballet.org. School show reservations are available for Dec. 5 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and Friday, Dec. at 9:30 a.m. Call 276-623-3505 or email highlandsballetcompany@gmail.com to schedule your school group.
