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Interview with Blown Away's Stacey April Fix
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 4:32PM Good grief! She’s ‘Blown Away’ by ‘Peanuts’
by Rosemary Herbert, Newburyport Current / February 3, 2012
Newburyport — Stacey April Fix is the writer and director of the Theater Workshop production of “Blown Away,” a musical based on Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. Performed by an all-kids cast, the show runs Feb. 10-12 at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. We caught up with Fix to ask her about her love of the “Peanuts” characters, why she adores working with children and more.
How did you personally develop a love of the Peanuts comic strip?
Like so many Americans, I grew up with the “Peanuts” comics and characters. I remember my brother had a Snoopy-themed birthday party when he turned 10. He had a Snoopy centerpiece that included Woodstock and Snoopy's doghouse. The comic strip has always had a presence in my life and I believe in most American lives. “Peanuts” shared my growing up years. The Charles Schulz book “Happiness Is....” was one that I would read over and over again. I saw the “Peanuts” characters; on TV, on special occasion cards, as ornaments on the tree. I feel honored to direct “Blown Away” as a tribute to the work of Charles Schulz. I have tried to stay very true to his point of view.
How did the title come about for your play, "Blown Away"?
Linus is faced with a dilemma. Lucy has made a kite out of his blanket and it has blown away.
Why do "Peanuts" characters have such enduring appeal?
It is easy to identify a part of yourself in every character. There is an element of truth that makes them all relatable and memorable.
Why do you like to see children play the roles of these characters?
All the Peanuts characters live in a world where we never hear from the adults. This is the way the characters exist in the comics; they are children.
What do you most enjoy about working with young actors?
I love directing young actors because I love to teach. I am excited by the director's opportunity and challenge to develop student talent, encourage confidence and respect for all that is acting and theater.
What do you find most exciting about staging a production in Newburyport?
The Firehouse Center for the Arts is where community comes together to share the joys of laughter, music and storytelling. It's a perfect venue for Theater Workshop because we specialize in producing the best possible shows for family theater.
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