The Fantasticks
Premiered April 25, 26, & 28, 2019
The Fantasticks, by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, New York, on May 3, 1960, and when it closed 57 years later, it became New York’s longest running musical.
Jones and Schmidt met when they were students at the University of Texas; both were interested in becoming a part of the
world of Theatre. They began working on ”The Fantasticks” when they were college students, and they continued to refine it until it opened off Broadway in 1960. During over 30 years of collaboration, Jones and Schmidt remained committed to their vision of creating intimate shows without glitter or glamour, just simple stories with heart and soul and universal appeal. The memorable lyrics of ” Try to Remember”, the opening song in “The Fantasticks”, are words that have resonated with audiences for decades; “ Without a hurt, a heart is hollow.”Perhaps the most pivotal character in “The Fantasticks“ is El Gallo, the narrator and romantic hero. He is capable of talking to the audience, watching the play as a spectator, stepping in and out of the action, manipulating the characters and plot, and creating magic with snowflakes, sparkle, and a cardboard moon. The characters are prototypes of young lovers and meddling parents.This intimate musical, with memorable, melodic tunes and lovable characters, is a simple story about youthful exuberance, painful disillusionment, and joyful fulfillment. This touches our souls, and we relate to the theme, which is reprised in the final song, “Without hurt a heart is hollow”.Our current world of COVID-19 is a time of painful disillusionment and hurt, but it is also a time to open our hearts to the pain and hurt of others. Let us hope that we may soon find peace, greater understanding, and ultimately, joyful fulfillment.
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Click on "Watch the Show Virtually" for a look at The Fantasticks!