Syracuse Stage presents world’s longest-running musical, ‘The Fantasticks’; cast features SU Drama student

Syracuse Stage presents world’s longest-running musical, ‘The Fantasticks’; cast features SU Drama studentApril 22, 2008Patrick Finlonstagepr@syr.edu

This week, Syracuse Stage opens “The Fantasticks,” the world’s longest-running musical (more than 17,000 performances Off-Broadway), directed by Peter Amster with musical direction by David Nelson. Previews of the show are April 23-24. The regular run begins April 25 and continues through May 17. Performances take place in the Archbold Theater at Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St.

Charming, funny and a celebration of first love, “The Fantasticks” tells the story of a boy named Matt and the girl next door, Luisa. Believing their families do not get along, the youngsters, who are perfect for each other, secretly meet and quickly fall in love. Unbeknownst to the pair, their fathers are actually best friends who have dreamed up a faux feud to ensure this would happen. The meddling fathers devise an elaborate scheme to cement their children’s love and end the “feud.”

A swordsman named El Gallo is hired to stage Luisa’s abduction so that Matt can heroically save the day. The scheme is played out during a night full of moonlight and romance. But when the sun rises, the following day brings an end to dreams. Dashing El Gallo, who was the pair’s guide to romance and illusion, becomes their instructor in disillusionment and the lovers break up while their fathers become embroiled in trivial argument. Only when Luisa and Matt go their separate ways do they realize that hurt brings wisdom and that in order for them to be together they must first learn to be apart.

“The show reminds you that `without a hurt the heart is hollow,'” says Amster.

With book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, “The Fantasticks” premiered on May 3, 1960, at the Sullivan Street Playhouse, New York City, and played 17,162 performances before closing on Jan. 13, 2002. With more than 11,000 productions in the United States in more than 3,000 cities and towns, it is both the longest-running musical and the most frequently produced. The show is packed with delightful music, including memorable songs “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “I Can See It.”

The production features a cast of seasoned actors who are part of the Actors’ Equity Association and also features Syracuse University student Alexa Silvaggio as The Mute. Silvaggio is a sophomore in the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and is currently pursuing a B.F.A .in musical theatre.

Designers and Crew:

• Scenic Design by Scott Bradley
• Costume Design by Maria Marrero
• Lighting Design by Ann Wrightson
• Sound Design by Todd Reischman
• Stage Manager: Stuart Plymesser

Cast:

• Charles Goad: Bellomy
• Mark Goetzinger: Hucklebee
• Robert Johansen: Mortimer
• William J Norris: Henry
• Alexa Silvaggio: The Mute
• David Studwell: El Gallo
• Mackenzie Thomas: Luisa
• Eric Van Tielen: Matt

Tickets for “The Fantasticks” range from $22-$45 and are available by calling the Syracuse Stage Box Office at (315) 443-3275 or visiting http://www.SyracuseStage.org. Students with valid I.D. may purchase $9 tickets at the Box Office just prior to curtain on the day of performance. Rush tickets are available for $15-$25, depending on performance. Student and rush tickets are subject to availability. Group tickets are available by calling (315) 443-9844.