From a sad, droopy Christmas tree to a dancing beagle atop a piano, there are timeless images in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" that make the Chattanooga Theatre Centre's adaptation a faithful reflection of the animated TV special.
Under the direction of Chuck Tuttle, 22 young actors bring the holiday classic to life through familiar scenes and music.
The CTC's Youth Theatre will present "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in performances at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8-9 and 15-16. School performances are scheduled during the week of Dec. 10. The show is appropriate for first-graders and older.
As the familiar story goes, Charlie Brown is feeling glum despite the arrival of the cheerful holiday season. When he complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but his best efforts are ignored and mocked by his peers.
When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown, at his wit's end, loudly asks if anybody knows what Christmas is all about. As Linus tells him about the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown cheers up and the Peanuts gang unites to celebrate the season.
This show has been double-cast with casts performing on alternate days. Mason Brown and Jack Rogers share the role of Charlie Brown.
The casts also include Isa Baez, Nevaeh Bentley, Alex Champion, Charlie Clevenger, James Cook, Aiden DiChiacchio, Bec Fitzsimmons, Hunter Gordy, Lauren Hays, Lilly Lewis, Kaleigh Loden, Lainey Maddox, Violet McClendon, Autumn Schulmeister, Zachary Schulmeister, Emma Stidham, Zella Stockman, Benjamin Suhrbrier, Will Tutor and Kaitlin Young.
Tickets are $10. They may be purchased at the CTC box office, by calling 432-267-8534 or online at TheatreCentre.com.