Similarly, it’s the mistakes, accidents and how we respond to such unexpected events that give the best indication of what a person is made of.

It’s with this in mind I say Wednesday’s preview show of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown was one of the most professional and memorable productions in my experience with the Lieder Theatre.

Even as I’m penning this review I can feel the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

That’s not to say there were countless errors during the final dress-rehearsal show. Namely, just two tongue-tied lines smoothed over without a blink by Cara Jeffery and a mishap with a makeshift kite and a flywire mid-song.

The latter I would have to admit was one my favourite parts of the whole production, thanks to some stunning and hilarious recovery work by Alfie Walker, as the unmistakably ‘good’ yet undervalued Charlie Brown. The audience lapped it up.

This fast-paced, active and engaging production is something all ages will enjoy. The songs are catchy, the musical ensemble led by Marianne Powles is on point, the vocal performance from the cast is great and the set itself is brimming with bright colour, adding an almost-animated feel to the show.

The small leading cast of six carried the production seamlessly, including some great work by newcomers Leonard Buckley and Micah Boerma.

The actress to get the most reaction out of the audience, Amanda Aitken, was brilliant in her delivery as the emotional Sally Brown.

While kids and many adults will see the production as something bright and cheerful, it was hard to ignore something a little deeper during analysis.

Just about every character can be related back to some kind of personality disorder.

First, there’s Sally Brown (Aitken) with her frustration at not being able to learn (be it with a skipping rope or in school), yet who has a drive to keep trying and build resilience.

Lucy Van Pelt (Jeffery) is a budding sociopath obsessed with power and seeks adoration and praise from her peers.

Linus Van Pelt (Leonard Buckley) while incredibly intelligent and sweet has attachment problems indicated by his obsession with his soft blue blanket, a safety net from the world.

Schroeder (Micah Boerma) despite his musical brilliance is a socially-awkward perfectionist.

Then there’s Charlie Brown (Walker) with his deep-seated self-doubt, depressive tendencies and riddling anxiety. He is put down by his peers and becomes the perfect victim. You can’t help but love him.

Snoopy (Jo Cooper) lives in a fantasy world, is somewhat manic and very confident in his behaviour and dreams – the complete opposite of Charlie Brown creating two halves to a whole.

I’m not sure if that is what everyone will pick up on, however.

Paring it back to first impressions, the show is entirely charming, not necessarily thought-provoking but simply built for enjoyment.

Congratulations to the cast, musicians and crew.

You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, directed by Chrisjohn Hancock, is running for a short twoweek season only. The official opening show will take place tonight from 7:30pm. Shows will then continue Saturday November 29 at 2pm and 7:30pm, Sunday November 30 at 2pm, Wednesday December 3 and Friday December 5 at 7:30pm, Saturday December 6 at 2pm and 7:30pm.

For ticketing information see liedertheatre.com or buy in person at Goulburn Medical Clinic, McKell place.