'The Life of Charles Schulz': Solo show illuminates the quiet Minnesotan who created 'Peanuts'

For a man of such fame, the "Peanuts" cartoonist was a shy, insecure man who preferred the time spent at his drawing board. Brad Erickson brings the man to life in a sweet piece tracing the rise of this barber's son from St. Paul to the biggest name in daily comic strips. Erickson, who has taken the show to numerous schools, easily slips into Schulz's shoes as he showcases the man's Minnesota-bred reserve. He also draws a mean Charlie Brown (and Linus and other friends), which only adds to the play's gentle delights. (5:30 p.m. Tue., 2:30 p.m. Sat., 4 p.m. Aug. 14, Phoenix Theater, 2605 Hennepin Av., Mpls.)