The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page

Wednesday, October 24, 2001

Fayette County High School presents "The Fantasticks"

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Imagine if Romeo and Juliet's parents were keeping them apart just to get them together, and you have the basis for the story of "The Fantasticks," which Fayette County High School will perform at Sams Auditorium Thursday and Friday, Oct. 25 and 26.

Matt and Louisa have grown up next door to each other but have never met because of an alleged feud between the two families. Eventually, the mothers decide to employ the services of the mysterious El Gallo and a troupe of actors to stage a kidnapping. They believe that if Matt will rescue Louisa, they will fall in love and live happily ever after. Matt does rescue Louisa and they fall in love but they soon realize that there is more to the world and more to love and they split up.

"The Fantasticks" is the longest running Off Broadway musical of all time. It started running at the Sullivan Theatre in New York City over 41 years ago and has been performed numerous times for the stage and screen.

"The show has a tremendous score and is just a beautiful love story," said director Fred Bobbitt. "There is a good mixture of tragedy and comedy, just like life, and it is a celebration of theater."

The show is a fairly big undertaking, involving a large cast, choreographers and a musical director. Kelly Butler is the musical director, while Jennifer Archer and Michelle Fail are the choreographers. Jose Garcia is the accompanist for the musical. Fayette County High School will send portions of the show to the regional one act competition in November.

"The fantasticks" will take place Thursday and Friday, Oct. 25 and 26 at Sams Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and admission is $7. There will be limited seating, so it is recommended to purchase tickets early through Fayette County High School. Phone 770-460-3540.


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