Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas

Before A Charlie Brown Christmas became a holiday tradition, it was nearly cancelled. Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas brings the story of the television special and Vince Guaraldi’s celebrated score to the stage. Created by legendary drummer Jerry Granelli, who played on the original soundtrack, the show is now performed by his son J. Anthony Granelli and his trio — drums, grand piano, and bass. They play the soundtrack the way it was first recorded: loose, swinging, and improvisational. Between songs, J. Anthony shares how the music was made, why the special almost never aired, and what it was like growing up with this piece of music history at home. Short excerpts from the original television special help frame the story, but the focus stays on the music and the musicians making it together in real time. The show runs just over an hour.