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THE world’s most famous cartoon dog, Snoopy, as well as insecure Linus, demanding Lucy and always-stuck-in-the-middle Charlie Brown, will come alive in the Bay when the last Pemads play for 2009, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, opens at the Little Theatre next week.

The beloved characters are sure to bring a smile to many who grew up with Shulz’s dry wit and true-to-life scenarios played out in the comic strip which appeared in most newspapers around the world.

Although the cast is smaller than most shows which have enthralled Bay residents this year – there are nine in total, accompanied by an orchestra of six – the show promises to be big on warmth.

“It’s funny and energetic and there are some beautiful moments as well. It’s warm and fuzzy,” said musical director Debbie Everard. “Rehearsals have been going fabulously. The cast might be young, but they’re all experienced.”

The show is in the hands of director Robin Williams who’s had a busy year after directing the acclaimed Funny Girl for Theodor Herzl, and appearing on stage in My Fair Lady as Mrs Higgins. “I love the pithy wisdom that bursts out of almost every moment of the piece,” Williams said.

The show opened in 1967 in New York and has become the world’s most produced musical. A revival version of the musical – the format which next week’s show is to follow – was presented on Broadway in 1999.

The ensemble cast includes Reyn ffoulkes (Snoopy), Anton Steyn (Charlie Brown), Matthew Berry ( Linus), Andile Magxaki (Schroeder), Lynn Thomson (Sally Brown), Rebecca Hartle (Lucy), Kaylan Sabbadin (Frieda), Wesley Dyke (Pig Pen) and Peter Lee Ching (Shermy).