David Hyde Pierce, Danielle Brooks, Ayo Edebiri, and Jin Ha are set to star in the New York City Center’s Encores! production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” scheduled to run from February 3 to February 14, 2027. This marks a significant return for the beloved musical, which has not been seen in New York for nearly three decades since its acclaimed Broadway revival in 1999.
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The casting announcement, made on August 6, highlights Pierce taking on the role of Charlie Brown. Best known for his award-winning performance as Dr. Niles Crane in the television series “Frasier,” Pierce has a formidable theatre background, showcasing his talents in productions such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” His upcoming role is set to be another prominent chapter in his rich theatrical career.
Joining him are Brooks, an Emmy and Tony-nominated actress famed for her role in “The Color Purple,” who will portray the outspoken Lucy. Edebiri, known for her Emmy-winning work on “The Bear,” will embody the imaginative beagle, Snoopy. Meanwhile, Jin Ha, who is celebrated for his role in “Pachinko,” will portray Linus, Charlie Brown’s thoughtful best friend.
This production will initiate the 2027 Encores! season, directed by Sam Pinkleton, an award-winning director noted for his innovative staging in productions like “Oh, Mary!” and “The Rocky Horror Show.” The choreography will be handled by Sunny Min-Sook Hitt, and Meghann Zervoulis Bate will serve as the music director. Casting for additional roles is expected to be announced in the future.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” first debuted Off-Broadway in 1967, features music, lyrics, and a book by Clark Gesner, inspired by Charles M. Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip. Rather than adhering to a linear narrative, the musical is composed of a series of vignettes, reflecting the daily challenges and joys faced by Charlie and his friends.
The show’s memorable score includes well-loved numbers such as “Happiness,” which serves as the production’s uplifting finale, alongside “My New Philosophy,” “The Book Report,” and “Suppertime.” Its previous Broadway revival earned accolades, including Tony Awards for featured performances, further solidifying its status as a cherished staple of American musical theatre.
City Center describes the upcoming production as a “fresh” interpretation, inviting audiences to experience the Peanuts characters through “a series of small but seismic adventures.” The production aims to resonate through its exploration of the joy and challenges associated with growing up, reminding attendees of the ever-important quest for happiness.
For Pierce, the involvement in this Encores! revival is a return to the New York stage, where his illustrious career has spanned both film and theatre. For Brooks, this represents one of her most high-profile musical roles since her success in “The Color Purple,” while Edebiri is continuing her rising trajectory following her television success.
Ha, also familiar to City Center audiences from his previous work, further rounds out the cast, as he balances his screen presence with a solid stage background, including performances in notable works like “Hamilton” and “Proof.”
New York City Center has built a solid reputation over the past three decades for reviving classic American musicals through its Encores! series, known for its star-studded casts and creative interpretations. The series has served as a springboard for various productions that have transitioned to successful Broadway runs, including the likes of “Chicago” and “Into the Woods.”
Looking ahead, the 2027 Encores! season will also feature productions such as “Hallelujah, Baby!” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” ensuring a robust theatrical offering for audiences.
Tickets for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be available for City Center subscribers from August 11, with general public sales commencing on August 18. Encores! subscription packages will also become available on the same day, with a single ticket sale set for October 14. For more details and ticket purchases, patrons can visit the New York City Center website.