The Fantasticks

The Fantasticks
Inspire Creative
Parker Schoolhouse Theater
Parker, CO
March 11-20, 2016

The Fantasticks is advertised as the longest running musical in history. It’s true that the original production ran off Broadway for over 40 years and its signature song “Try To Remember” is a song most people will recognize. Despite this impressive pedigree the show is rarely produced in local theaters.

The production at the Parker Schoolhouse Theater was advertised that it would be presented with limited costumes and sets. Last year I was not impressed with their dressed down version of Into the Woods. However, the intimate nature of The Fantasticks seemed a better fit for this staging.

Right away it was clear that this production would be a step up from Into the Woods. The stage was set with a circus-like set with a huge truck surrounded by a huge sign with the show name emblazoned on it. This simple setting was transformed with simple, but effective pieces – a sheet for the wall dividing the families, red curtains to create exotic locations, even the moon and sun appeared to set the mood. The lighting also proved an effective scene changer.

Each character emerged wearing a costume which did not change throughout the show. However, they were not a distraction and fit each character throughout the changes in the story.

The cast of the show was very small – only 8 actors. However, these talented people had no trouble carrying the show. The chemistry between Matt and Luisa and their fathers Hucklebee and Bellamy works well in the various stages of relationships. The comical actors are enjoyable in their antics. And El Gallo in his changing role as narrator and charlatan connected with the audience as both knowledgeable and vulnerable.

The first act of the show is charming and enjoyable. The idea the fathers have to create a feud to get their children to defy them and fall in love is on every parent can appreciate. And at the end of the act, it seems everyone will live happily ever after. But real life, and The Fantasticks, doesn’t work that way. The characters face issues they didn’t plan on after their dreams come true. It’s a difficult lesson for the characters and not always a fun ride for the audience. But once the show is over we connect with the characters even more closely.

The story is one most can identify with. Life has its ups and downs. Yet we persevere and find out what really is important in life.