The Fantasticks
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Cititour.com Review
For over forty years The Fantasticks played off-Broadway and indeed around the globe. When it closed at the Sullivan Street Theatre in Greenwich Village, four and a half years ago, it wasn’t because this universal tale of love and life had passed its prime. No, that end was about real estate. Now, thankfully, it has been revived in midtown. Once again The Fantasticks proves to be timeless and enchanting.
The show is a cautionary tale about love and how it's used, with gentle lessons about abusing the power of manipulation and deception. The musical's success has as much to do with its charming score and universal story of young love as it has to do with the theatrical quality of its presentation. There is no particular set but rather props and set pieces with, of course, careful use of lighting to set time and place. There's a vaudevillian flavor here with a silent player standing in for a leafy tree or throwing colored bits of paper into the air to signify a burst of excitement. The book, penned by Tom Jones (who also crafted the lyrics for Harvey Schmidt's melodic score), is filled with clever jokes and a narrator (who doubles as a bandit) doing his level best to bring the audience under his wing. That's part of the magic too. The audience is treated like an integral part of the action without ever being assaulted.
The cast is equally successful. Burke Moses, as the Narrator, is charismatic and wonderfully playful, taking full control at all times. Santino Fontana, making his New York debut as The Boy, is perfectly cast and filled with energy. Sara Jean Ford, as The Girl, sings with a vibrant soprano and is never saccharine. Leo Burmester as The Boy’s Father is aptly irascible while his counterpart, The Girl’s Father, played by Martin Vidnovic, has a tendency to chew the scenery. Robert R. Oliver, as Mortimer, is absolutely hysterical with his multiple attempts at defeat and Thomas Bruce, as The Old Actor, is both amusing and touching (and a pseudonym for book writer/lyricist and the director of the piece, Tom Jones).
This production captures the delightful essence of the original. It doesn't feel in the least bit dated but surprisingly fresh. The songs, including the hit "Try to Remember," are ever so beautiful. There is a nostalgic and picturesque quality at work here which is utterly appealing. At this rate, The Fantasticks is sure to last another 40 years.
By Lesley Alexander
Visit the Site
http://www.fantasticksonbroadway.com
Cast
Dennis Parlato, Tom Flagg, Gene Jones, Jordan Nichols, Erica Piccininni, Steve Routman, John Shuman, Nick Spangler, John Thomas Waite
Open/Close Dates
Opening 6/16/2008
Closing 6/4/2017
Box Office
(212) 307-7171
Theatre Info
Snapple Theatre Center
1627 Broadway (50th St)
Neighborhood: West 50s
New York, NY 10019
Map
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