REHEARSALS for KickStArt Theatre Company’s production of Snoopy!!! The Musical have started. The show opens at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on August 7.

Snoopy!!! The Musical is a mini-musical based on the famous Peanuts cartoon characters, and features well-loved characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Woodstock and of course, Snoopy, in a slick, funny, heart-warming comic book style musical revue.

“I saw a production of this musical in 1985 when I was 15, and I have never forgotten it and always wanted to do a production myself,” says KickStArt’s artistic director, Steven Stead. “I went with my family, and everyone (even my dad, who was a major in the air force!) loved it.

“That is the great thing about this particular show: it appeals to adults just as much as it appeals to children. It isn’t a kids show; it is a witty, charming, very entertaining piece of theatre that really will put a smile on everyone’s face, and maybe even give you something to think about, in a gentle sort of way.”

Stead, who is also starring in the show, adds: “I am so enjoying acting and singing in this show myself! The songs are tremendous! They range in style from broadway show tunes to country and western, to pop ballads, and are instantly catchy and hummable.

“Our panto regulars will certainly recognise at least one of the songs: Don’t Be Anything Less Than Everything You Can Be, which has been a favourite with kids in our pantomimes over the past ten years.

“It is difficult to sell a show like Snoopy!!! because people tend to presume that it is just for young children, and don’t realise that it is definitely for adults, and teenagers too. But please take my personal recommendation and give it a try. I am certain that if you have enjoyed our productions in the past you will love this little charmer of a show! The cast are wonderful, the music absolutely delightful, and the characters hugely likeable and fun to experience.”

Snoopy!!! the Musical stars Carol Trench, Bryan Hiles, Stead, Graeme Wicks, Katy Moore, Caitlin Kilburn and Evashnee Pillay. Musical direction is by Justin Southey, set design by Greg King, costume design by Neil Stuart Harris, and choreography by Leigh Meyer. The show is directed by Stead and Charon Williams-Ros.

Snoopy!!! The Musical runs from August 7 to 23 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College campus. Book your seats at Computicket, or contact Ailsa at Going Places SA for block bookings and group discounts at Editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com.