STAGE REVIEWS : Old Friends Come to Life in OCC’s ‘Charlie Brown’ : The production has moments for adults, and even more for children. Eric Anderson turns his role as Snoopy into a real scene-stealer with the younger set.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a far-from-scintillating musical, no matter who does it. For adults, it can be downright boring, not to mention sticky-sweet. But for kids--and adults with kids--it’s another matter. The play’s sweet-natured quality and its cast of familiar characters--who, over the years, have become like old friends (albeit heavily merchandised and commercialized friends)--make it a pleasant, if uninspired, outing. This play is a lot like the wimp rides in Fantasyland: no major drops or curves, just a smooth, uneventful little journey.

Not that Orange Coast College’s suitably performed production doesn’t have its highlights, notably Eric Anderson’s scene-stealing turn as Snoopy (the kid crowd broke out into applause several times during his “Suppertime” number).

And as the indomitable Lucy, Diane Walsh displayed a beautiful singing voice--and was perfectly crabby (recall the quiz she gives an uneasy Charlie Brown, who must tell her if her personality is (A)) forceful, (B) pleasing or (C) objectionable).

As for the perpetually put-upon Charlie Brown, Tony Mathews delivered a nice rendition of what might be called playground Angst.

Often performed at colleges because the students can easily play younger, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” probably helps budding actors develop theatrical skills. But given the dead-on “Saturday Night Live” impressions the cast engaged in outside the theater after one recent performance, it’s a sure bet that the actors, given their druthers, would be performing something a tad less cutesy.

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

An Orange Coast College production of the musical based on the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. Book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner. Directed by John Ferzacca. Set and property design by David Scaglione. Costumes by Dawna Oak. Lighting by David Dunbrack. Choreography by Marie de la Palme. Musical direction by Rose Farquhar. With Tony Mathews, Tom O’Toole, Mark Downie, Diane Walsh, Jeni Cook, Eric Anderson, Jennifer Anderson and Angela Neugebauer. At the college’s Drama Lab Theatre, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. One morning performance today at 10:30 a.m. Through Sunday. Tickets: $6 to $8. Information: (714) 432-5880.