Novato Theater Company Stages Beloved Musical, THE FANTASTICKS This April

Whimsical, poignant, and romantic, The Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance, and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love. With music by Harvey Schmidt and Lyrics by Tom Jones, it is directed by Larry Williams with musical direction by David Shepard. NTC Playhouse, 5420 Nave Drive in Novato.

In a theatrical and inventive fashion, our gallant and enigmatic narrator-El Gallo-introduces us to a pair of young lovers, Matt and Luisa, who experience the magical, moonlit phase of falling in love. For a time, romance seems perpetually exciting, and heroics seem always to save the day. However, El Gallo leads our young protagonists from the romantic moonlight into the harsh sunshine, where the weaknesses in their relationship are exposed and the reality of the struggles and heartache love brings is revealed.

With the record for the longest American theatrical run, The Fantasticks is a gem of the American musical theatre. Featuring timeless classics like "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," this simple and beautiful ensemble piece is as beloved and as timely as it was when it opened over 50 years ago.

Cast

El Gallo - Phillip Percy Williams
Matt - Cordell Wesselink
Luisa - Nicole Thordsen
Hucklebee - Javier Alarcone
Bellomy - Jim Fye
Henry - Michael Walraven
Mortimer - John Griffin
The Mute - Nick Moore

Creative Team

Producer - Candace Brown

Director - Larry Williams

Musical Director - David Shepard

Stage Manager - Brigid Tillotson

Costumes - Janice Deneau

Set Design/Build - Michael Walraven

Lighting - Frank Sarubbi

Props - Maureen Scheuenstuhl

Percussionist - Brice Williams

From the Director, Larry Williams

What a delight it is to direct The Fantasticks! The musical was based on the play The Romancers (Les Romanesques) by Edmond Rostand written in the late 19th century about a pair of fathers who trick their children in to falling in love by pretending to be feuding. The show's original Off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years and 17,162 performances, making it the world's longest-running musical. There was even a movie version that was released in the mid 1990's. There is something magical in the simplicity of the show and the complexity and beauty of the music. There is something for everyone in this show. You will relate to either the fathers, the children, El Gallo, Arlechino the silent character who helps provide the atmosphere or a couple of the Zani characters. The music is gorgeous with some of my favourite musical theatre numbers ever written. It will be very hard for you to leave this show this evening without having one or two of the tunes stuck in your head. The Fantasticks! is a wonderful piece of storytelling with something for everyone! Enjoy!

CURTAIN TIMES AND TICKETS

Venue: NTC Playhouse, 5420 Nave Dr., Novato 94949

Preview: Thursday, April 5 at 7:30 pm

Opens: Friday, April 6 at 8:00 pm

Runs: Fridays and Saturdays: 8:00 pm; Sundays: 2:00 pm, through April 29.

Running Time: One hour, 45 minutes with one 15-min. Intermission

Tickets: $27 Adults, $21 NTC Members and Subscribers, $24 Seniors/Students, $12 Children 12 and under, $15 Preview. Online ticketing at www.novatotheatercompany.org; call (415) 883-4498 for questions/information only. Theater box office accepts touchless payment, credit and debit cards. Open Seating • Free Parking • ADA Compliant