Company and Charlie Brown

I just listened to the “Musicals with Cheese” podcast discuss You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. I like the show much more than they do.

It got me thinking of the structural parallels to Sondheim’s Company. Bobby’s the depressed, beleaguered Charlie. He performs vignettes with his friends. They have settled into their personalities while he’s still finding himself.


Joanne is the bitter, arrogant Lucy. Spouting insults and advice because she thinks she’s seen it all.


Both shows end with an optimistic anthem that betrays the cynical tone of the work.

My life would be complete if I saw a production of Charlie Brown where Lucy sang The Ladies Who Lunch.

Correction. The 1960s.