University Theatre presents 'The Fantasticks'

In its 80th season, University Theatre presents a production of the light-hearted musical, The Fantasticks:

A lighthearted, modern twist on Romeo and Juliet featuring well-known musical numbers such as “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” The Fantasticks features neighboring fathers in a feud over a shared wall, their lovestruck offspring, and a hired villain with his troupe of traveling actors. The young lovers face the conflict between moonlight fantasy and the reality of harsh sunlight as the question of “who gets the girl” is not quickly answered.

With music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones, The Fantasticks opened Off-Broadway in 1960 and went on to become the longest-running musical in history, playing continuously for over four decades. Directed by professor Farley Richmond, this University Theatre production features musical direction by Rachel Townes.

“Much of The Fantasticks' distinctive charm derives from its minimalistic style, which stands in contrast to the theatrical extravagance of most musical blockbusters,” Richmond said. “The stage is virtually bare, with audience's imagination filling in most of the details.”

The primary scenic element is a wall created by a character, performed by undergraduate theatre major Connor Brockmeier, called simply the “Mute." "The musical's stripped-down style makes it ideal for the University Theatre’s Studio Series, which is dedicated to highlighting the actors' skill, humanity, and intimate connection with the audience," said David Saltz, head of the department of theatre and film studies.

The performances begin February 5 and run through Sunday the tenth with two performances at 2:30 and 8 p.m. that day. Come and enjoy the hardwork of our theatre students and faculty in the wonderful venue of the Seney-Stovall Chapel.

Image: University Theatre production photo of The Fantasticks by John Gallagher.