Panic! Productions to Present THE FANTASTICKS, 9/5-21

Panic! Productions begins its third season with the classic musical fable, The Fantasticks, September 5 through 21, at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks.

The longest running musical in the history of the American theatre, The Fantasticks features music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. This newly imagined, intimate production is directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Joshua Finkel, with vocal direction by Diann Alexander and orchestra direction by Ben Ginsberg.

A romantic story of love, memory, innocence lost, and knowledge gained, The Fantasticks features such beloved songs as "Try to Remember," "Soon It's Gonna Rain," "Never Say No," and "They Were You." Finkel, who directed Panic!'s acclaimed, innovative production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, says this staging will accentuate its touching story, magic and simplicity, and, of course, the glorious music.

Appearing in The Fantasticks are Katie Hume, Christian Thomas, John Gaston, Paul Panico, Robert Weibezahl, Jim Seerden, Andrew Metzger, and Michelle Miller.

"Panic! Productions is delighted to welcome Joshua Finkel back as director of this production," says company co-founder Robert Weibezahl. "Joshua knows how to breathe new life into classic material, and his vision for The Fantasticks may surprise many people who think they are familiar with the show, and will delight the myriad fans of this much-loved musical."

The Fantasticks opens Friday, September 5 at 8 pm and continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm through September 21. Tickets are $22/$20 student and seniors, with group rates available, and can be purchased at www.hillcrestarts.com, by calling 805/381-1246, or by visiting the box office. The Hillcrest Center for the Arts is at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.