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Tampa Actor Gabriel White Marin Embodies Snoopy in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!’
A beloved holiday classic comes too life on stage, and Tampa’s Gabriel White Marin is at the heart of it all, bringing the iconic, non-verbal Snoopy to audiences across the country. The touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!, adapted from the 1965 television special, opens Wednesday, November 12th, at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The stage adaptation promises to retain the charm of the original, including the beloved music of Vince Guaraldi and the poignant dialog penned by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. However, Snoopy’s character will be uniquely brought to life through physical comedy, largely thanks to Marin’s performance.
“He just jumped out at the auditions,” shared a tour co-producer, highlighting Marin’s immediate impact on the casting team. “We count our lucky stars as he brings something so special to this role. I can’t tell you how many ‘we’re so lucky’ texts have been flying between the producers.”
At 19 years old, Marin is a recent graduate of Blake High School’s renowned theater magnet program, having previously honed his skills in musical theater during a stint at a high school in Texas. His journey to the role of Snoopy, though, wasn’t a direct path. Marin initially pursued a Division I rugby career at Life University in Georgia, but an injury led him to reassess his priorities.
“That was what I pursued for about a year and a half,” Marin explained. “I got injured, and during my recovery process, I realized ‘You know, I really want to go back to the arts.’ It was a big part of my life.” He noted the contrast between the immersive arts programs in Canada,where his family previously lived,and the more intensive commitment required in the United States.
Before landing the role of Snoopy, Marin actively engaged with the local Tampa Bay theater scene. He showcased his talents in productions of Into the Woods as Cinderella’s Prince with the New Tampa Players, followed by roles as Marcellus in The Music Man and curly in Oklahoma! It was during tech week for Oklahoma! that he received the life-changing audition offer for A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!.
The New Tampa Players were remarkably supportive of Marin’s opportunity. “They were actually vrey supportive – ‘this is a big thing for you; you should take it,'” Marin recalled, “and they helped me transition.” Another actor stepped in to continue the run of Oklahoma!, allowing Marin to focus on preparing for his new role.
Preparing to embody Snoopy, a character known for his silence, has been a unique challenge. “It’s been like learning a new language, without a doubt,” Marin said, describing the process of communicating solely through physicality. He’s been practicing howling, dancing, and even acting like a penguin to fully inhabit the beloved beagle.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! will be touring the country through December 30th, bringing a dose of holiday cheer to audiences nationwide. Marin’s dedication and talent are poised to make this production a memorable experience for fans of all ages.
Tickets for Wednesday’s 7 p.m. show at the Mahaffey Theater are available at this link.
