Parkside Theatre's FreshINK series offers one playwright's view of what happens when Charlie Brown grows up during staged readings of "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead." This "unauthorized parody" of Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" cartoon strip is presented Sept. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Student Center Cinema, 900 Wood Rd., Kenosha.
Seen in the world's newspapers for half a century as perpetual children, writer Bert V. Royal imagines Lucy, Linus, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the gang as teenagers. Youthful rebellion, suicide, eating disorders, and drug experimentation are just a few of the issues confronted in this contemporary comic drama.
Director Michael Clickner expects some viewers to experience culture shock.
"I know people of my generation and older will be quite shocked at the language, the social structures, and the questions of gender raised by this play. Younger people will be able to relate to the plight of these characters with no problem," Clickner said. "I hope people will want to see this play and to view it with an open mind. Theatre is intended to both entertain and educate."
Since its 2004 premier at the New York International Fringe Festival, "Dog Sees God" has earned numerous theatrical awards. The play contains mature themes and adult language.
During a staged reading, actors may refer to their scripts. Props are kept to a minimum and there are no special costumes.
Three other FreshINK readings are planned during UW-Parkside's 2009-2010 academic year. These include "Lydia," Octavio Solis' immigration drama being presented Nov. 13-15; "In the Blood," Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks' modern take on "The Scarlet Letter" presented Feb. 12-14, 2010; and the Lisa Brenner/Suzanne Trauth Hurricane Katrina drama "Katrina: The K Word" April 15-17, 2010.
Admission to FreshINK productions is free. Donations to the UW-Parkside S.T.A.G.E. Club are accepted and benefit Theatre Arts students. For more information about FreshINK or the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department, call 262-595-2581.Publish date: 9/2/2009
