'Idol's' Anthony Federov Joins 'Fantasticks' Today

"American Idol" top-four finalist Anthony Fedorov, will step into the role of "Matt" in The Fantasticks, the world's longest running musical, this Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Snapple Theater Center (210 West 50th Street at Broadway).

As a toddler, Federov received a tracheotomy for a birth defect in his windpipe. Once thought to never be able to speak, Fedorov overcame the defect to become a finalist in the 2005 edition of FOX's "American Idol," be named 2007 spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America, and complete a tour of the United States of America Air Force in Europe bases in Germany, Spain and England.

Press notes describe The Fantasticks as," the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers. Featuring the beloved songs "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," The Fantasticks is a celebration of love-first love, lost love and true love."

The new production of The Fantasticks opened on Wednesday, August 23, at New York's Snapple Theater Center (210 West 50th Street at Broadway). This well-known love story, which originally opened at New York's Sullivan Street Playhouse on May 3, 1960,  features music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. Mr. Jones also directs. Anothony Fedorov ("Matt") joins a cast that includes Thomas Bruce ("Henry"), John Deyle ("Hucklebee"), Julie Craig ("Luisa"), Burke Moses ("El Gallo"), Robert R. Oliver ("Mortimer"), Nick Spangler ("The Mute") and Martin Vidnovic ("Bellomy").

The Fantasticks is produced by Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel and Thomas Vierte. The creative team features scenic and costume design by Ed Wittstein, lighting design by Mary Jo Dondlinger, sound design by Domonic Sack and musical staging by Janet Watson.

The Fantasticks plays at New York's Snapple Theater Center (210 West 50th Street at Broadway).  Tickets are $76, with a special $36 ticket price for selected seating on Sunday evening performances, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or by calling (212) 307-4100.

The playing schedule for The Fantasticks is as follows: Tuesday at 7:00pm, Wednesday at 2:00pm, Thursday and Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

For more information, visit www.fantasticksonstage.com.

Photo by Joan Marcus