Favorite Actors Return to Thingamajig for ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

PHOTO: Trevor Brown, left, and Kristi Contreary, right, shown here in their roles in “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play” last Christmas, are among the favorite alumni returning to Thingamajig Theatre this month to perform in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and a special holiday concert at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy Thingamajig Theatre Company.

Charlie Brown and your favorite ‘Peanuts’ characters are coming to Pagosa this month when Thingamajig Theatre presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” an uplifting family-friendly musical priced at family-friendly rates at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts.

Live performances start Friday, December 16 and continue through the month of December. You can purchase tickets here.

In this show you’ll watch Charlie Brown and his friends including Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder and Snoopy, among the most iconic group of youngsters on the planet, as they sing, dance and learn the true meaning of Christmas. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a nostalgic show that features the imaginary children created by Charles Schultz — based on the 1965 hit animated TV special of the same name.

These beloved characters will be brought to life on the Thingamajig stage by a cast that includes several favorite Thingamajig alumni and a few new faces.

The actors will also perform a holiday concert titled “A Merry Little Christmas” that will showcase the singing and dancing skills of the actors.

The announcement was made by Tim Moore, the theatre’s producing artistic director. “It’s a special treat for us to present such a heartwarming show about Charlie Brown and his friends for kids of all ages as well as a special holiday concert that will appeal to everyone who loves joyful Christmas music,” he said.

This musical features seven professional actors, many playing multiple roles, some of whom are hugely popular with local and out-of-town audiences from previous performances at Thingamajig. They include Trevor Brown, a perennial favorite, who most recently wowed audiences playing leading roles in “Guys and Dolls” and “Bright Star” this summer; Jesse Cordis, who brought new life to the role of Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls;” Rosa Campbell, a veteran of “Men in Boats” and stage manager this summer; and Kristi Contreary, a star of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play” last Christmas.

“Charlie Brown” will be directed and choreographed by Andrew Barrett Lewis, who directed and choreographed “Bright Star” this summer… “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play” last Christmas… and “A Grand Night for Singing” during Christmas 2019.

Lewis also conceived and will be directing the holiday concert, which takes advantage of his creative skills and the impressive dancing and singing talents of the actors. This holiday concert will be performed three times at 7pm on December 22, 23 and 26.

Of course, as befitting good holiday experiences, the audience will be treated to childhood exuberance, wonderful singing and dancing, an inspirational message and a happy ending in “Charlie Brown.” We promise that after the 45-minute performance you will be humming all the way home… and the same will be true after the holiday concert.

“Charlie Brown” opens on December 16 and will be performed most days through December 29.  Evening performances are at 7pm with Sunday matinees at 3pm. “Charlie Brown” tickets are priced at the family-friendly rate of $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

Tickets for the “A Merry Little Christmas” holiday concert are $35 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under.

You can purchase tickets for “Charlie Brown” and “A Merry Little Christmas” holiday concert online or by phoning 970-731-SHOW (7469).

Treating your family and friends to these events makes a very special holiday gift for everyone, yourself included.

Thingamajig Theatre Company, an award-winning professional nonprofit 501(c)(3) theatre in residence within the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, was co-founded in 2011 by Tim and Laura Moore. Its talented actors, directors and designers come from across the U.S. and Canada to produce musicals, comedies and dramas for local and out-of-town audiences. As well, Thingamajig is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for youth and teens in our community.

Carole Howard

Carole Howard