Show Synopsis:
Charlie Brown explores various trials of childhood with his sister Sally, his dog Snoopy, and his friends Linus, Lucy, and Schroeder.
Character:
Schroeder, an elementary school student who loves playing classical music on his piano; he is very passionate about music.
Song Context:
Schroeder has just had to tell off Lucy from one of her persistent attempts to flirt with him, and is frustrated that she does not understand music as art. He suddenly remembers that it's Beethoven's birthday, and tries to get his friends to celebrate with him, even though he knows they do not care as much as he does.
Fun Facts:
1. This song was not included in the original version of You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, and was added in the 1999 revival by Andrew Lippa for Stanley Wayne Mathis.
2. This song was a hit and often performed at large press events, but the show unfortunately closed when it did not win the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award.
"SCHROEDER
Call the principal
And hand him the news.
We've got a holiday
That he can't refuse.
A day of harmony,
A day of music:
Beethoven's birthday!
SALLY
Beethoven Day?
SCHROEDER
A reverential mission!
LINUS
Beethoven Day?
SCHROEDER
The hope of each musician.
No more am I the only guy
To stand up and say
""Hooray, Beethoven,
Hooray!""
CHARLIE BROWN
Beethoven Day?
LINUS (spoken)
Yes. As in Ludwig van Beethoven, composer.
Born 1770, died 1827. The eldest of three sons,
Ludwig's mother was the daughter of the chief overseer
of the kitchen...
LUCY (spoken)
Whatever... Schroeder, I just want you to know that
I'm on your side. I want to help, publicity-wise,
with Beethoven's Birthday.
SCHROEDER (spoken)
Thank you for your support, but I just don't
want to see Beethoven's birthday commercialized.
LUCY (spoken)
Commercialized?
SCHROEDER (spoken)
Yes. The next thing you know they'll be selling
Beethoven sweatshirts.
SNOOPY (wearing a Beethoven sweatshirt)
Beethoven Day.
SCHROEDER
If you're wondering
""Now, how do we start?""
Just blow the music
Til you know it by heart!
We're gonna celebrate.
We'll throw a party!
Beethoven's Birthday!
OTHERS
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
And when you say the title...
OTHERS
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
You hear a great recital.
The right of every boy and girl
To stand up and say:
OTHERS
Hooray, Beethoven,
Hooray!
SCHROEDER
Beethoven Day
OTHERS
Beethoven Day
Beethoven Day
SCHROEDER
Beethoven Day
OTHERS
Beethoven Day
Beethoven Day
SCHROEDER
Beethoven Day
OTHERS
Beethoven Day
SCHROEDER
Beethoven Day
OTHERS
Beethoven Day
SCHROEDER
Beethoven Day- hey, hey, hey!
OTHERS
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
A philharmonic rumble
OTHERS
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
A polyphonic jumble,
A humble dedication as we
Stand up and say:
ALL
Hooray, Beethoven,
Hooray!
LUCY (spoken)
I got it! We'll demand full-Page ads in every newspaper!
LINUS (spoken)
We'll start a chain or Beethoven superstores!
SALLY (spoken)
We'll build a Beethoven theme park!
CHARLIE BROWN (spoken)
We could have a bake sale!
SCHROEDER (spoken)
Wait! That's too commercial!
Let's imagine it.
That glorious hour
Filled with emotion
Yet inspired with power
When we all honor
The man we adore
On the day we place
The newest face
On Mount Rushmore!
OTHERS
Mount Rushmore.
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
A moment of reflection
OTHERS
Beethoven Day!
SCHROEDER
A classical injection!
So facing this direction
We begin it today
A musical collection
Everybody can play
The right of every boy and girl
To stand up and say:
Hooray,
Beethoven!
Hooray!
OTHERS
Beethoven hooray!
It's Beethoven Day
A time for celebrating
Beethoven way
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la la
ALL
Hooray!"