The Struthers Library Theatre's resident theater troupe, Warren Players, has selected "The Fantasticks," the world's longest running musical, to be its 80th season opener. This show is filled with comedy, sorrow and memorable melodies like "Try To Remember," "Soon It's Gonna Rain" and many more tunes that will leave you humming as you walk out the door. It is a timelessly whimsical yet abstractly realistic tale of life and love. It will be presented at the Struthers Library Theatre Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31 at 2 p.m., Nov. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 6 at both 2 and 8 p.m.
The play opens with El Gallo, a devilishly charismatic narrator, telling a tale of the kind of love that has been written about for centuries. It shares the fantastical adventure of a girl named Luisa, a boy named Matt and their respective parents, Bellomy and Hucklebee, who attempt to push the two naive, star-crossed lovers together. However, when the boy and the girl discover that the parents have schemed their relationship into existence, the children's perspective quickly becomes stale, and they begin to see their so-called "love" as a fraud. The young lovers soon desire some worldly life experiences to compare to their seemingly mundane existence. The Fantasticks takes the hero and heroine through their discovery of life's harshness and inevitably to the reality of the truth behind their love.
Fantasticks merchandise will be sold in the theater's Friends' Room before and after the production, so audience members can remember Fantastick musical evening in the theater. You will be able to pick up Fantastickal totes, umbrellas, coffee mugs, CDs, and even the vocal selections from the musical score.
Article Photos
Hucklebee (Kathy Hurst) and Bellomy (Gary Brumagin) wrap their arms around their two loving children in this “Happy Ending” Tableau
Come and be entertained by what has been referred to as one of the best musicals ever written, one that has justly earned is place as the longest running musical. Directed by Jordan Spencer, "The Fantasticks" is supported by vocal director Andrew Pollard, production manager Jen Morley, costume director Dixie Brumagin, lighting designer R. Scott Schriner, properties director Pat Pollard and sound directors Jeremy Jeziorski and Sam Bailey.
Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the Struthers Library Theatre office during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Monday through Friday, or by calling the theater offices at 723-7231. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office a half an hour prior to show time.