Are you ready for some guaranteed serotonin? Charlie Brown and his best Peanuts pals are headed to summer camp! That’s right, Charlie Brown is determined to make the best of his last year at Cloverhill Ranch, and he soon comes to realize the value of keeping important spaces like this alive for the next generation. It’s Sally’s first time camping, after all, and there are many adventures to be had (even if she’s feeling all sorts of ways about it). Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock head on an adventure of their own nearby…that might lead to treasure, and definitely some hijinks.
How do you capture a lifetime of cherished memories in one bittersweet summer? Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical certainly manages it—with song, and good cheer, and sun-glazed escapades. And in between, quiet moments where the happy campers let themselves feel all the feelings that come with moving on. (No, no, I’m not crying, it must be all the campfire smoke.)
“So tonight let’s scroll through old pictures
Of people and places we’ve known
And wonder
How the days passed so quickly as life seemed to slow
But it’s true something’s changed
And it’s hard to explain
But I’ll keep this feeling tucked safely away
For the rainy days
When life seems so heavy
This feeling of now
When we were light as the clouds”
It’s always a joy to see the beloved comic strip come to animated life, and A Summer Musical is no exception; it captures all the whimsy and wonder the characters are known for, with its musical element upping the delight factor. As the first Peanuts musical in 37 years, the songs range from upbeat and lighthearted (“Best Time Ever”) to educational (“Leave It Better”) to wonderfully moving (“When We Were Light”). It’s impossible not to bop along to the jaunty score that gives the special a summer boost. And when the characters break out into song, you’ll immediately want to sing along, or perhaps even shed a tear or two (I’m definitely not crying, you are).
Through its music and camp shenanigans, the special combines all the best childhood summer memories with the very real feelings that came with them: the nervousness of going somewhere new, the excitement for group expeditions, the bonds of friendship, and the sadness over leaving it all behind. It’ll make you giggle at the truth wrapped up in its easy-breezy jokes as the special works its way into your heart.
Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical is a warm & cozy treat waiting for you at the campfire—so pack your bags, lace up your boots, and enjoy some fun in the sun with old friends & new adventures!
Rating: A
Level of Enthusiasm: 110%
