'Fantasticks' Gets a Solid Staging at the Encore Musical Theatre

Created more than 50 years ago, The Fantasticks has become a staple of American musical theatre, telling the allegorical story of coming of age, young love, and meddling fathers.

Barton Bund directs a solid group of actors at in Dexter.

Written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the story is loosely based on a play: The Romancers, as well as the literary stories Pyramus and Thisbe, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The original off-Broadway production that opened in 1960 ran for 42 years, making it the world’s longest running musical. A successful off-Broadway revival opened in 2006 and is still running. The production has played in 67 countries, with approximately 250 new productions each year.

The show includes many popular tunes: "Try to Remember," "Soon It’s Gonna Rain," "It Depends on What You Pay," "Metaphor," and "They Were You."

The Encore’s cast includes Brian Thibault as El Gallo, Paul Hopper as Hucklebee, Tobin Hissong as Bellomy, Thalia Schramm as Luisa, Ryan Dooley as Matt, Keith Kalinowski as Henry, Jamie Weeder as Mortimer, and Gayle Martin as The Mute.

Patrons who attend the official opening night of The Fantasticks on Sept. 28, are invited to attend the opening night party with the cast and crew of the show. Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will be provided, as well as a cash bar.

Tickets for all performances are on sale now, and may be purchased by stopping in, calling the box office, or visiting www.theencoretheatre.org.