November 14th, 2019
The classic animated television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schultz, comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation on Friday, November 29 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, November 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Performances will take place at State Street Theater Co., 1 North State Street, New Ulm, MN.
When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become the director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to discover the real meaning of Christmas.
Charlie Brown’s friend and fan favorite, Linus, has roots in Southern Minnesota. Charles Schultz named the Linus character after fellow cartoonist Linus Maurer, who was a native of Sleepy Eye. A statue of the fictional Linus stands in Sleepy Eye in honor of Maurer.
Advance tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, New Ulm Hy-Vee, and online at statestreetNEWULM.org. Tickets will also be available the day of the performance at the door for $15. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance and handicap seating is available. Handicap entrance through backstage door in parking lot. For more information, please email statestreettheater@gmail.com or call 507-359-9990.
This play is based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson. Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer. By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. A Charlie Brown Christmas is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK. The production is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.