Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents THE FANTASTICK'S

Pittsburgh Public Theater begins its 42nd season with a new production of The Fantasticks, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt. Directed by The Public's Producing Artistic Director, Ted Pappas, the legendary musical runs Sept. 29 - Oct. 30, 2016at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.

The Fantasticks premiered Off-Broadway in 1960 and ran continuously for 42 years. After just a four-year break it was revived at New York's Jerry Orbach Theater (named for The Fantasticks' original star), where it continues today. The musical has always appealed to sophisticated theater-goers and younger audiences as well.

The charm of The Fantasticks is in its humorous and tender story, memorable music, and imaginative staging. For The Public's production Ted Pappas has assembled an amazing group of actors, musicians, and designers.

At the center are a young man and woman just awakening to love. In these roles The Public welcomesJamen Nanthakumar (Matt) and Mary Elizabeth Drake (Luisa). As their meddling fathers are Daniel Krell(Bellomy) and Gavan Pamer (Hucklebee). Bringing great theatricality to the show are the dashing narrator, El Gallo (Josh Powell); The Mute (Jason Shavers); Mortimer, known as The Actor Who Dies (Tony Bingham), and Henry, The Old Actor (Noble Shropshire).

Musical Director Douglas Levine leads a versatile ensemble featuring harpist Marissa Knaub Avon, bassistJustin Bendel, and percussionist R.J. Heid. Songs in The Fantasticks include the now-classic "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain." The design team is James Noone (Scenic), Amy Clark (Costumes),Kirk Bookman (Lighting), and Zach Moore (Sound). Casting is by Cindi Rush Casting and the Production Stage Manager is Ruth E. Kramer.

Among The Fantasticks' varied pleasures are its nods to Shakespeare, especially Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream; its moments of vaudevillian energy; it's journey from romance to disillusion and back to true love; and the handmade quality of its production design. According to The Wall Street Journal, The Fantasticks is: "The perfect musical."

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