ONE of the world’s most famous dogs is about to embark on a major stage musical at Limelight Theatre this June.

Based on the beloved Charles M. Schulz Peanuts cartoons, Snoopy! The Musical is full of toe-tapping numbers featuring the famed beagle and the rest of the gang including Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy, Linus and Peppermint Patty.

The overall theme is Snoopy’s growing independence, which makes Charlie Brown feel increasingly insecure.

While lying on top of his kennel, Snoopy considers his genius and has to accept his brilliance in nearly every field of endeavour will forever go unnoticed by humankind.

Written by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady, Snoopy! The Musical was first performed in 1975 and is a sequel to You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the first stage production based on Peanuts.

Director Jen Edwards was inspired to direct the show after first being introduced to it while at university in London.

“I remember Snoopy! The Musical as being so sweet, fun and upbeat,” she said. “I worked backstage and formed part of the band, falling for the sweet nature of the show.

“A year later, I took on the role of Sally Brown in a revue performance – it was a great production to be involved in and has always held a certain spot in my heart.

“Peanuts has been part of my family for as long as I care to remember. At home, my mum had the Peanuts Jubilee book that I indulged in throughout my childhood. Snoopy was a favourite in my family then and still is now. 

“I have that very book by my side throughout the rehearsal process and have often referred to it, especially when designing sets and props.

“It has a familiar old book smell and is a great piece of helpful nostalgia.”

Performing since she was three, Edwards began at stage school and studied ballet, tap and musical theatre, appearing in hundreds of pantomimes and recitals.

She studied theatre at school and at university in London before working professionally in the UK, touring in Macbeth and Accidental Death of an Anarchist and appearing in revue at The London Palladium and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Moving to WA in 2009, Edwards appeared in ‘Allo ‘Allo at the Regal Theatre and Nunsense at Limelight Theatre, also recently appearing in its sequel.

She has received numerous acting nominations and awards for her roles in Nunsense, Nunsense II: The Second Coming and Anything Goes.

“I wanted to produce a show at Limelight Theatre that would be suitable and appealing to children, predominantly because I have very young children of my own and love how music and dancing engages their minds,” Edwards said.

“Another reason was a passion to bring more young people to the theatre – Snoopy! The Musical is a great introduction because it’s a quick-moving show with lots of short, colourful scenes.

“With a shorter running time than most musicals our production has lots of appeal and will have a lot of exciting, kid-friendly extras going on, too.”

Snoopy! The Musical plays at 7.30pm June 12, 19, 26 and 27; 3pm June 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 and 11am June 20. Tickets are $20, $15 children and concession – book on 0499 954 016 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.