THE FANTASTICKS Ends The Rep’s 2009-10 Mainstage Season, 4/11

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) ends its 2009-2010 Mainstage series with The Fantasticks with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt on April 11th. 

AT&T is the Major Sponsor of The Rep's production of The Fantasticks. This production has received additional support from James G. and Catherine Berges, Barbara and Russell Browning, Steve and Linda Finerty, and Jean-Paul and Isabelle Montupet. The Fantasticks first took Broadway by storm in 1960, running for 42 consecutive years and charming audiences through 17,162 performances with memorable songs including "Try to Remember," "Soon It's Gonna Rain" and "Plant a Radish." Now recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest-running musical, it continues in a new revival at New York's Snapple Theatre.

Written by the powerhouse duo of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, The Fantasticks began as an adaptation of the French piece Les Romanesques, which spoofed Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The simple story begins with a boy, a girl and a wall. Matt and Luisa, the two young lovebirds from neighboring families, steal glances and keep their romance a secret from their feuding fathers. Little do the kids know that their dads are actually good friends who've hatched a plan-with the help of a mystical band of a traveling players-to get the pair down the aisle. When they discover their fathers' plot and are encouraged to marry, the excitement of forbidden love is replaced by the realities of the mundane and they each go off on their own to experience life in the world. Later they return to each other with renewed love, having learned that "without a hurt the heart is hollow ".

Filled with whimsy and magic, The Fantasticks takes us on a sweet journey of first love. In addition to its timeless story, the piece immerses the audience in the magic of theatre, utilizing all of the wonder of the art to create a whole world out of next to nothing. Its classic story, authentic emotion and captivating score have made it a staple for theatres and a favorite for all generations.

The cast of The Fantasticks at The Rep includes Sara M. Bruner (The Mute), Stella Heath (Luisa), Joneal Joplin (Henry), Scott Schafer (Bellomy), Dan Sharkey (Hucklebee), Cory Michael Smith (Matt), Brian Sutherland (El Gallo) and John Woodson (Mortimer).

The Rep's production of The Fantasticks is directed by Victoria Bussert who has a long history directing Mainstage shows for The Rep and made her Studio Theatre debut this past January with the wildly popular [title of show]. The creative staff includes David Horstman, music director/pianist; Martín Céspedes, choreographer; Gary M. English, scenic designer; Dorothy Marshall Englis, costume designer; Peter E. Sargent, lighting designer; Rusty Wandall, sound designer; Glenn Dunn, stage manager; and Tony Dearing, assistant stage manager.

For more information about The Rep's production of The Fantasticks, including a guide introducing the characters, plot and background on the play; photos related to the production; and more, visit The Rep's comprehensive public website at www.repstl.org.