THE FANTASTICKS Begins Tonight at Allenberry Playhouse

Allenberry Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director Ryan Gibbs, presents a new production of the world's longest-running musical, THE FANTASTICKS, a captivating romantic comedy about a boy, a girl, two fathers, and a wall.

THE FANTASTICKS runs from tonight, September 2, through October 4 on the Allenberry Mainstage, with an official opening on September 3 at 7:30pm.

Based on the tale Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand, THE FANTASTICKS features music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. The memorable score includes "Soon It's Gonna Rain," "They Were You," and the beloved hit, "Try to Remember."

THE FANTASTICKS will be directed by Ryan Gibbs, choreographed by Elizabeth Angelozzi (A Diva to Die For, The Christmas Campaign). Andy Hudson is musical director.

THE FANTASTICKS features TJ Lamando and Julia Paladino (both 2013 Wagner College Theatre graduates) as the young lovers Matt and Luisa. Andy Lebon (Allenberry's South Pacific; national tour of Oklahoma!) is El Gallo, the Narrator. Hucklebee, the Boy's Father is played by Craig Treubert (Allenberry: Damn Yankees; National Tour: The Drowsy Chaperone) and Jeff March (National Tour: Church Basement Ladies) plays Bellomy, the Girl's Father. Richard Easley (Broadway: Oh, Calcutta!) plays Henry, and Charles Baran (Off-Broadway: The Cradle Will Rock) plays Mortimer.

Allenberry is pleased to announce that Richard Easley, Allenberry's long time character man from 1978 to 2005 is returning after a 10 year absence. Allenberryfans will remember him from such hits as Pickering in My Fair Lady, The Modern Major General in The Pirates of Penzance and No, No, Nanette. Richard appeared in the final production that Allenberry produced under its original 56 season agreement with Actor's Equity Association. We are thrilled to have him back now that we once again have a full agreement with AEA.

THE FANTASTICKS is designed by Darcy Bert (sets), Ryan Gibbs (lighting), Kurt Alger (costumes), and Adam Bates (sound). Tara Kelly is production stage manager.

"Once in a while a show comes under your nose that is completely driven by the charm of a journey. OurFantasticks is going to be unlike any version you have seen," said Ryan Gibbs. "We are retelling the story in a bright way that will showcase all of the charm that has made the show stay in our hearts for over 50 years. Many other musicals show us what it's like to fall in love, only THE FANTASTICKS makes us remember how to fall in love."

"Allenberry is proud to announce that the scenic production of THE FANTASTICKS will go green by working with The Broadway Green Initiative, said Ryan Gibbs. THE FANTASTICKS will be a sustainable fully produced set using a variety of recycled and sustainable materials sourced locally. Allenberry has begun to implement building practices and waste management in the scene shop. We're hoping audiences will be inspired to use their imagination, for example the shop we're using plastic bottles to create a garden of flowers, a life size tree made entirely from recycled plastics along with everyday objects to create interesting textures and environment on stage."

THE FANTASTICKS original cast featured Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner, opening Off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse on May 3, 1960. After 42 years, the production closed on January 13, 2002 after 17,162 performances. In 1992, THE FANTASTICKS was awarded Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre. In 2007, the musical was revived in New York at the Jerry Orbach Theater and is still playing, with over 20,000 performances.

In addition to THE FANTASTICKS, book writer and lyricist Tom Jones and composer Harvey Schmidt have created the musicals 110 in the Shade, I Do! I Do!, Celebration, Philemon, Mirette, Collette Collage, Grover's Corners, Roadside, and The Show Goes On.

THE FANTASTICKS plays Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, with matinees Tue., Wed., Thur. & Saturday at 1:00pm, and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets are $38, with special prices for students and children. Dinner/Theatre packages are $59 matinees, $63 evenings. For tickets call (717) 258-3211 or (800) 430-5468. The Allenberry Playhouse is located at 1559 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007.

Pictured: THE FANTASTICKS features (center) TJ Lamando (Matt) and Julia Paladino (Luisa), and (l-r) Craig Treubert (Hucklebee), Andy Lebon (El Gallo) and Jeff March (Bellomy).