A fantastic cast of some of Melbourne’s brightest new talent has been assembled to bring to life the signature Peanuts characters:
James Cutler as Charlie Brown – the little round head kid ready to face adversity straight in the eye. Charlie Brown is Everyman. He wants to get it right. Hounded by Lucy, surprised by the others and still in love with the little red haired girl.
James’ career aspirations as a young man ran the gamut from cook to lawyer, and he harboured a sneaking suspicion that he wanted to be an actor as well. He has a harrowing year of tap-dance tuition under his belt, as well as a Bachelor of Arts/Education from Monash University. James has previously directed Urinetown and Godspell. His performance experience includes roles in Chicago, Pirates of Penzance, and Sweeney Todd, and he was nominated for Best Male Actor by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria for his role in Baby. James’ personal highlights include long family holidays in Point Lonsdale. James describes Charlie Brown as a boy who ‘doesn’t often get it right, but never stops trying just in case next time it works out.’
For James, Happiness is… Spending time doing the things you love.
Darryn Gatt as Snoopy – the extroverted beagle. A viruso at every endeavour – at least in his daydreams atop his dog house. A great observer of human nature, a philosopher that amuses himself with his vibrant imagination.
Darryn’s kindergarten dress-up box inspired him to want to become a nurse, and later the movie Cocktail inspired him to become a barman. Darryn has performed a wide variety of productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Fame, Merrily We Roll Along, and Wicked Little Town. He received a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nomination for his performance in RENT. Darryn holds an Advanced Diploma in Music and has endured 12 years of vocal training from a variety of coaches in Melbourne. Darryn’s personal highlights include spending two years amongst the West End theatres of London. He describes Snoopy as ‘a dog who is intelligent, loyal, melodramatic, happy, playful and imaginative, who sometimes likes to break into song and bite people.’
For Darryn, Happiness is… waking up at 7AM, getting ready for work and realising in the shower that it’s Saturday.
Emma Caldwell as Lucy Van Pelt – bossy, pushy, and BEEWDiful! She is loud and yells a lot.
Emma dreamed of being Peter Pan as a child, but her experience stunning audiences as a Munchikin in The Wizard of Oz whet her appetite for the stage and constant attention. Having caught the bug, she has since performed in Urinetown, Tick Tick… Boom, The Journey Girl and Spielberg’s Band of Brothers. Emma teaches flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano and singing, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. She also holds a Diploma in Acting from the National Theatre Drama School and has had extensive training in acting and singing. Emma’s personal highlights include being selected as a shot-putter on her primary school athletics team. Emma describes Lucy van Pelt as ‘bossy, controlling, manipulative and brutally honest… but lovable all the same.’
For Emma, Happiness is… A great cast, a great production team, and a great show.
Laura Burzacott as Sally Brown – Charlie Brown’s little sister always looks for the easy way out. Cute beyond words, Sally has most of the world wrapped around her little finger.
Laura’s childhood passion for flowers led her to consider a career as a florist, although she also seriously considered becoming a triathlete. Laura has performed in a wide variety of productions in Ballarat and Melbourne, including Blood Brothers, the title role in Sweet Charity, RENT, Little Shop of Horrors and The Witches of Eastwick, and has been nominated for the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria’s Best Junior Female Performer. She has completed a Certificate III in Performance Practices and is currently training with Verve Studios in the Professional Actors Workshop. Laura’s personal highlights include enjoying the view from the Swiss alps – the highest point in Europe. Laura describes Sally Brown as ‘the youngest character in the show, but possibly the smartest.’
For Laura, Happiness is… Being surrounded by the people you love.
Richard Hughes as Schroeder – who idolises Beethoven. A talented artiste devoted to his toy piano and with a clear imagination.
Richard decided as a child that the best career was a combination of fireman, policeman, doctor, superhero and astronaut. In case this proved unattainable, Richard also contemplated becoming a video game designer. He has performed in Ballarat Lyric Theatre’s Cats, which scooped the pool of awards at the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, Dead Man Walking, and Godspell. Richard began studying Arts/Law at Melbourne University, but later transferred into Arts/Science. He hopes one day to break his mother’s heart by studying acting in Sydney or London. Richard’s personal highlights include visiting South Africa and being awed by the landscape and animals. Richard describes Shroeder as ‘someone who has a special place in his heart for Beethoven – and who could blame him?’
For Richard, Happiness is… Simplicity.
Matthew Perfect as Linus Van Pelt – happiest with his blanket. He is a paradox: despite his age, he can put life into perspective while sucking his thumb.
Matthew began his performing arts career by thrilling captive audiences in his lounge room, and realised that acting was the only thing he wanted to do, having dismissed the idea of becoming a barrister. Having made his lounge room debut, he went on to perform in Oliver, West Side Story, Grease, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. He holds a Bachelor in Economics from Cardiff University, which he earned before moving to Australia in 2001. Matthew’s personal highlights include hearing his baby’s heartbeat for the first time, and realising that he was going to become a father. Matthew describes Linus as a boy whose ‘best friend is his blanket, and who gets to say a lot of highly intellectual and insightful things.’
For Matthew Happiness is… Playing around with a great bunch of people to create something we can all feel proud of.
