Bobby vs Linus

Bobby Wyckoff compares himself to Linus

What attributes or traits do you share with your character? What attributes or traits of your character do you not share? 

Linus is a loyal, encouraging, helpful friend to Charlie Brown (and, I think, loves his sister, Lucy). I try my hardest to be that kind of friend and relative. Linus looks past other people’s flaws: Charlie Brown’s ineptitude, Lucy’s aggressiveness. We ALL struggle with that. And we still love people because of who they are and, sometimes, despite how they behave.

Do you have a special connection with your character?

I have a special connection with ALL these characters. The Charlie Brown television holiday specials were always a favorite growing up! (And back then you could only watch them when they aired, around the time of the appropriate holiday: Christmas, Halloween, etc.)

What is the most exciting part about bringing this character to life on stage? 

As always, the most exciting part about doing a character at NCT is two-fold: working with the incredible creative staff/actors and then experiencing the audience reaction. It’s truly my favorite place to work.

What work have you done/will you do to prepare to play this character? 

Going into rehearsals, I’m only slightly familiar with the script and musical score, but I’m afraid I might have to dance. If so, that will take A LOT of work. I look silly when I try to dance!

Linus has his blanket that he is very attached to. Do you have an object that you are quite attached to or has special meaning for you? 

I have many objects I enjoy. I even have several collections: bottles of sand from far-away beaches I’ve walked on, salt and pepper shakers I inherited from my grandmother, and many, many more. I treasure them, but I could let them go. I nearly lost them all in the flood a few years back. I think your real “security blanket” are those people (and pets) you hold close. 

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown will run at NCT until Sunday, Dec 23. Check out the schedule and view some fun Behind the Curtain videos about the production.

Martha vs Sally

Martha Wilkinson answers questions about herself and Sally

What attributes or traits do you share with your character?

We both ask "Why?" a lot... and we are both VERY straight forward--sometimes to a fault. Though I don't consider myself a "philosopher", I do like to search for reasons for certain things and don't always go on trust and faith. And we both get panicky about little things sometimes!

What attributes or traits of your character do you not share?

I don't share Sally's apathy or ease for problem solving...I'm kind a chronic "fixer". Also, Sally never thinks it’s her fault and I always think its mine.

Do you have a special connection with your character?

Yes. I like her frankness and admire how she can often see the bright side of things. I LOVE her romanticism about Linus.

What is the most exciting part about bringing this character to life on stage?

Getting to be a KID! I love the freedom that comes with that! And I'm excited to sing her song "My New Philosophy"!

What work have you done to prepare to play this character?

Watch little kids play together and talk, and though I will not try to copy the Peanuts characters per se, I will try to emulate aspects of her that are familiar to Schulz's comic character that we all know and love. I'll probably watch The Great Pumpkin as I do every year.

Sally has a new philosophy every other minute. What is your most recent philosophy?

Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer helps you grow, serves you, or makes you happy.


Come join the Peanuts fun at NCT!

View the performance schedule and some Behind the Curtain videos.

Shawn vs Charlie Brown

Shawn Knight answers questions about himself and Charlie Brown

What attributes or traits do you share with your character?

Charlie Brown is often very unsure of himself, and sometimes the harder he tries, the more foolish he looks. That's me all over!

Do you have a special connection with your character?

I have played Charlie Brown before and discovered how much Charlie Brown means to people. He's a sweet guy who only wants to make others happy and like him. I think everyone can relate to that.

What is the most exciting part about bringing this character to life on stage?

No matter how many times I read the PEANUTS comic strip, I always get a little jewel of wisdom from them about how to live life fully. The greatest thing about this show is that it is not limited to a mere few frames, like a comic strip is. It has so much to say about finding happiness in all the little things of life!

What work have you done/will you do to prepare to play this character?

I certainly intend to watch lots of Charlie Brown cartoon specials and relive those special moments from my childhood.

Charlie Brown always wants to fly a kite, but can never seem to keep it in the air. Is there something you've always wanted to do, but have never been able to?

I'm not a very athletic guy, but I am competitive and love playing games with others. I wish I had skills that would allow me to be a successful athlete in some way.

Make plans to join us for this show! Schedule of weekend shows, and Behind the Curtains can be found online our website.