Peanuts goes to theater camp for first musical in three decades

The Theater Camp kids really got it right when they sang, “Camp isn’t home, but is it, kind of? Kind of it is.” They were also clearly onto something when they put on a show to save their beloved camp from financial ruin. Some of the most iconic characters around are about to do the same thing in Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical, the first new Peanuts musical special in 35 years.

While Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical has no official relation to the 2023 film, there are some similarities right on the surface. A summary from Apple TV+ reads:

This summer, celebrate the joy and magic of summer camp and the importance of preserving what you love. Charlie Brown loves camp and is determined to make his final year special, but Sally – a first-time camper – is nervous and skeptical of the new and unfamiliar place. While everyone settles into camp, Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure map that takes them on a wild adventure nearby.

One morning, the Peanuts gang learns that their beloved camp is shutting down because there are fewer campers joining each summer. The news especially saddens Charlie Brown, who feels hopeless about losing a place that has meant so much to him and his friends. Meanwhile, on their adventure, Snoopy and Woodstock find the sought-after treasure chest, but are quickly disappointed when they discover it’s not riches, but instruments and photos from past summer concerts held at the camp. Newly inspired, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang use the treasure to host their own concert to save the camp.

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Regardless, a new Peanuts musical is always welcome, especially when other venerated cartoons seem to be disappearing left and right. Emmy-nominated musicians Jeff Morrow and Ben Folds (who previously wrote “It’s The Small Things, Charlie Brown“) will compose the special’s original music, with Charles M. Schulz’s son Craig Schulz, grandson Bryan Schulz, and The Peanuts Movie writer and producer Cornelius Uliano on board to write the script.

Unlike, ahem, some other streamers, Apple TV+ has been a good home to the Peanuts crew ever since it acquired the library in 2018. Other new and old titles on the platform include The Snoopy Show, Snoopy In Space, Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, One-of-a-Kind Marcie, and, of course, classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Check out some first look images from Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical, courtesy of Apple TV+, below.