Knott's Presents Snoopy's Fabulous 50th On Ice

Buena Park, CA -- Knott's Entertainment has joined forces with Karen Kresge, resident choreographer at the Redwood Ice Arena in Santa Rosa, Calif., to present "Snoopy's Fabulous 50th on Ice," an all-new ice summer spectacular debuting June 24 at Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park.

The last Peanuts project Charles M. Schulz worked on prior his death and the biggest Peanuts production ever staged, the 30-minute show has since been dedicated to the cartoonist's legacy. The show marks the first time in history that five Peanuts characters skate together simultaneously (in past Knott's ice shows, only Snoopy donned skates).

Kresge worked with Schulz for 21 years as resident show director and choreographer of Peanuts-themed ice productions at the cartoonist's 1,100-seat Redwood Ice Arena in Santa Rosa. While she's worked on past Knott's ice shows under the banner of Dick Foster Productions, this is the first time she's served as principal director-choreographer.

"Both Karen and Knott's worked closely with Sparky Schulz over the years - so it seems especially fitting to collaborate with her on this special tribute production," explained Charles Bradshaw, Knott's show director of entertainment. "We think he would be very proud."

Performed by a cast of 15 professional skaters, including Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Sally, the 13-act spectacle celebrates Schulz's Peanuts characters with lavish sets, costumes, music, oversized props and expert skating numbers inspired directly by the beloved comic strip.

"We wanted the audience to experience first-hand the most classic moments from Peanuts' fifty years," explained Kresge. "From Charlie Brown on the pitcher's mound to a tuxedoed Snoopy, we've captured it all."

On-ice highlights include Snoopy battling the Red Baron, Charlie Brown's infamous kite-eating tree, Linus stalking the elusive Great Pumpkin, Lucy in her psychiatry booth and Woodstock on his own Zamboni. A "Hollywood-style" ending, complete with special effects surprises, caps the show.

"Snoopy's Fabulous 50th On Ice" premieres June 24 and is performed three or four times daily (except Wednesdays) through Sept. 4, 2000. In honor of Schulz, Knott's has permanently renamed its 2,100-seat Good Time Theatre the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. Inside the theatre lobby are photos chronicling the cartoonist's 18 years of work with Knott's.

In addition to "Snoopy's Fabulous 50th on Ice," Knott's park-wide "Snoopy's 5Oth Birthday Blast" continues through Sept. 4 with the six-acre Camp Snoopy Birthday Zone; "Snoopy's Daily Birthday Bash," a daily birthday party featuring a free birthday treat for kids 3-11; and "All Wheels Extreme!," an in-line skating, BMX and skateboard sports show in Calico Square.

"Snoopy's Fabulous 50th on Ice" is included with Knott's Theme Park admission. Adult residents of Southern California zip codes 90000 through 93599 pay $29 and kids 3-11 are $14. Specially priced tickets can be purchased at Southern California Ralph's stores for $21 for adults and $12.50 for kids 3-11 through Sept. 5, 2000.