Virginia Stage Company Presents THE FANTASTICKS, Opening 3/27

Romance is in bloom when Virginia Stage Company presents the world's longest-running musical, The Fantasticks, with book & lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt. It will take the Wells Theater stage on March 27-April15 under the direction of Jose Zayas.

Two scheming parents, Hucklebee and Bellomy, try to push their kids, Matt and Luisa, together. Attempting reverse psychology, the fathers begin a feud, forbid the pair to see each other, build a wall between their homes and plan a fake abduction. Will the naïve lovers find their way back to each other, and to love, after seeing the harsh realities of life?

El Gallo, the story's narrator and hired abductor, will be played by Mark Campbell. Hanley Smith as Luisa and Chris Ware as Matt are the two wide-eyed lovers. Their fathers will be played by Larry Bull as Hucklebee and Kilty Reidy as Bellomy. The band of actors, Henry and Mortimer, will be played by Hampton Roads favorite Robert Nelson, and VSC's own Director of Theater Education, Ryan Clemens. For a complete cast list and bios, visit http://www.vastage.com/the-plays/the-fantasticks.

AltDaily will sponsor the Dress Rehearsal of The Fantasticks on Sunday, March 25. The evening features light hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6:30 and curtain at 7pm, for a donation of $15 per attendee. Preview performances are Tuesday; March 27 at 7:00 pm, and Wednesday and Thursday, March 28 & 29 at 8:00 pm, with all seats just $25. Opening Night is Friday, March 30 at 8:00 pm. Regular performances run Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, Wednesday/Thursday/Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm through April 15. Tickets range $38 to $55. Students and active military tickets are $15 day of show, with identification presented at VSC's Box Office. An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired will take place April 7 at 8:00 pm.

Tickets may be purchased through by calling 800-982-2787 or at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the VSC Box Office, or online at www.vastage.com. Discounts for groups of ten and larger are available by calling 757-627-6988 ext. 358.

VSC will be hosting area education professionals at a free Educators Appreciation Night on Wednesday, April 4. A 7:00 pm reception will be followed by the 8:00 pm performance of The Fantasticks. Educators are offered two free tickets, with school ID. Seated is limited and educators are encouraged to call the VSC Box Office at 627-1234 to reserve early.

Now in its 33rd season, Virginia Stage Company is the region's only fully professional resident theater company, serving an annual audience close to 80,000. Since its founding, Virginia Stage Company has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Hampton Roads: presenting more than 190 plays through more than 4,200 performances; revitalizing and renovating the historic Wells Theatre; providing educational programs for students of all ages; and preserving the legacy of live theatre for future generations.

Seasonal support for VSC's 33rd Season is provided by Norfolk Southern Corporation.