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The Fantasticks
Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones
Music by Harvey Schmidt
Directed by Fred Anzevino & Beverle Bloch
Produced by Theo Ubique Theatre Company
(in association with Michael James)
at No Exit Café
6970 N. Glenwood
Chicago, IL
Call 773-743-3355, tickets $22; dinner package $40
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 7 PM
Running time 2 hrs, 15 min with intermission
Through January 21, 2006
“Think of September
When life was slow
And oh so mellow…”
“Without a hurt, the heart is hallow…”
Lyrics for “Try To Remember” --- The Fantasticks
This Fantasticks sparkles as it pays tribute to the fabulous material.
The Fantasticks ran in small venue off-off Broadway for 42 years (May3, 1960 – January 11, 2002) mounting 17,162 performances making it the longest running musical in history. It is one of my top ten favorite musicals. I have seen many worthy productions over the years (including the NYC production in the 1970’s). The Fantasticks works best in an intimate venue and the No Exit Café is ideal with all seating within a few feet of the small platform stage. Theo Ubique Theatre has utilized the No Exit Café to mount A Jacques Brel Revue: Songs of Love and War and A Curt Weill Review: Songs of Darkness and Light—both critically acclaimed shows. Their production of The Fantasticks continues their extremely high standards.
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This production reminds me of the show I saw in NYC in the 1970’s. Directors Fred Anzevino and Beverle Bloch wisely followed the stage directions of the original. It worked for a 42 year run, so why mess with success. Using a platform with minimal set and props, The Fantasticks is amazingly simple, yet purely profound show filled with breath-taking poetry, apt symbolism and metaphor, beautiful lyrics, rich melodies and memorable songs.
The trick to make The Fantasticks work lies in the casting. It necessitates strong singers, comedic talents and a charismatic lead. This cast is terrific. From Jeremy Trager’s wide, all-knowing smile, The Narrator/ El Gallo takes us on the journey with his hauntingly effective rendition of the classic opening number “Try To Remember.” Trager’s marvelous work showcases his wonderful voice and acting ability. His fluid articulation of Tom Jones’ poetic dialogue was impressive. Trager’s performance anchors this enchanting show.
Sarah Ann Glocomo’s radiant beauty, pure innocence and operatic voice made her a fine Luisa. Derrick Trumbly, as Matt, the smitten boy landed his tough role with outstanding singing and excellent nerdish aplomb. Trumbly’s golden tenor and Glocomo’s sharp soprano blended in heavenly harmonies in “Metaphor,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain’ and “They were You.”
The Fantasticks is the timeless fable of love filled with nostalgia, imagination and charm. It is a pure ‘feel-good’ musical that has several levels of meanings and universal themes. It is a love story, a primer on raising children and a warning about how life experiences teaches us what true love is. The metaphor of the seasons and gardening work nicely as does Tom Jones’ coy theatrics. Michael Miller’s piano and Annette Bjorling’s harp played Schmidt’s melodic score wonderfully.
Together with Harvey Schmidt’s varied musical styles, we are treated to cute vaudevillian numbers such as “Never Say No” and “Plant a Radish” delivered with zest and old-time style by Heather Winter (Hucklebee, the boy’s mother) and Chuck Sisson (Bellomy, the girl’s father). The comedic touch filled with physical bits, prat falls and commedia del arte elements, The Fantasticks is a funny show witness the outstanding work from Jamie DesRocher as the Mute. She is a terrific mime.
Farrel Wilson, (a woman) steals her scenes as the Old Actor (Henry) hired by El Gallo to aid in the scheme to make Matt a hero thus justifying his marriage to Luisa. Together with the Austin B. Harvey as Mortimer, the Indian who dies on cue, the two offer fine comic relief. The “Round and Round” second act number features excellent physical comedy to underscore the double meaning of the song.
This production of The Fantasticks sings marvelously with a blend of polished, emotional renderings from Jeremy Trager, Sarah Ann Glocomo and Derrick Trumbly in their solos and the fluid harmonies that soared into our hearts. The production did all the little things right as it smoothly delivered the humor, nostalgia and pure romantic feeling of the material. The closeness of stage to the audience electrifies the energy and warmth of the show.
This show is a fabulous date show for all ages. Teens with their special girl, the 20-30 something’s and us aging romantics will enjoy this imitate dinner and show combination. (By the way, I do recommend having dinner before the show, the food’s outstanding!) You’d be hard pressed to find a better bargain that a $20 complete meal and a $20 musical. And you may have The Narrator as your waiter.
This production of The Fantasticks reverently plays homage to the classic material. Jones and Schmidt would tip their hats to Theo Ubique Theatre Company’s production. See this show and you’ll understand why it lasted 42 years. Kudos to the cast.
Not To Be Missed
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
This show eligible for a Non-Equity C.S.T. Theatre Award.
November 4, 2005
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