The Fantasticks
A revival of the longest-running Off Broadway musical of all time. Memorable songs including "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain" frame the classic story of true love.
... Read more'The Fantasticks' is a romantic musical comedy about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow."
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Already closed
- The Theater Center / Jerry Orbach Theater (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (16)
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Reviews (604)
10 Critics' Reviews
"I tried to summon my stage-struck, preadolescent self as I watched the current “Fantasticks,” but he must have been otherwise engaged. What at 9 seemed oh so scenic inevitably brought out the cynic in this professional critic. I was more given to flinching than misting up as the Boy and the Girl loved, lost and rediscovered each other." Full Review
"While another 42-year run is not in the cards, the new “Fantasticks,” with its charms and entertainment value intact, delivers very nicely. And the audience still visibly swells at the sound of “Try to Remember.”" Full Review
"A lovely revival of a show that has lost none of its guileless freshness after half a century of hard use. 'The Fantasticks' is blessed with an equally excellent score: the ballads are tender and yearning; the comic songs droll; and all are singable from intro to coda. It's a gem." Full Review
"There is one, and only one, problem with the uncorkably joyful production of The Fantasticks: It's now going to be much harder to criticize revivals for opening too soon after their original productions close. While it remains to be seen whether attitudes and economics will allow this production a marathon run of its own, I, for one, wouldn't complain if it lasted another 42 years." Full Review
"The eight-actor musical that Jones and Schmidt wrote when they were still practically schoolboys is as fresh and charming as it always has been, and looks as if it should remain so for the next millennium or two...Try to remember how much you loved The Fantasticks the first time? Not necessary. It's all here again, right before your astonished eyes. That goes for first-timers too!" Full Review
"If you've seen the show - either on Sullivan St. or elsewhere - you can live with your memories. But if you or your kids have never experienced it, this pleasant production makes for a fine first time." Full Review
"A reverential blandness has crept into the proceedings of this classic loss-of-innocence tale...Schmidt's melodies remain as heartfelt as ever. The songs are reminders of what makes this little musical so hypnotic and Jones' lyrics are equally accomplished. Yet when the singing stops, the show's fragility becomes apparent." Full Review
"The world’s longest-running musical doesn’t need reviving. But it’s hard to resist The Fantasticks’ vintage charm: unamplified actors; artsy-craftsy effects like confetti snow and sequined rain; a sweetly melodic score composed of standards and oddities" Full Review
"The Fantasticks was so neatly and lovingly made—try to remember that everything non-electronic was better-made back then—that it still has plenty of charm and plenty of wisdom to impart for those who aspire to be young, for a few pleasant hours, in the more misty-eyed style of that earlier time." Full Review
"In a world where it’s increasingly difficult to find anything to believe in, The Fantasticks reminds us that its sunny outlook is exactly what we all need. Featuring a beautiful, melodic score...this is theatre history come vibrantly back to life with an enduring, positive message that, judging by the turnout at the performance I saw, still resonates with many today." Full Review
594 Members' Reviews
See it if wanting a charming love-story without much surprise but that is designed to entertain in the purest way. It's a semi-rustic but fun staging.
Don't see it if you dislike: "cutesy," whimsical, and somewhat juvenile musicals that feel wholesome and comical in a benign way; broken fourth walls; camp.
Also Tom Jones' modernized take on Romeo & Juliet-esque romances is not fus... Read more Read less
See it if It's the Fantasticks, what's not to like. Great score, great show. A gem.
Don't see it if See it before it closes
See it if you've ever loved theatre, and haven't seen it yet. It's a classic, and its closing. Don't miss your chance.
Don't see it if you value high production values over all other factors, or if you hate musicals.
See it if You haven't seen it yet, it celebrated it's 57th birthday on May 3 and it is closing this June 4th. A classic!
Don't see it if You don't like musicals or you didn't like it the first time you saw it!
See it if you care about musical theater at all. This show is part of our history, plain & simple. DO NOT let it close again without experiencing it.
Don't see it if you don't care about THEATER, period. Yes, it's sappy & VERY dated romantic fluff. But the music's timeless. You will regret not seeing it.
See it if you like small-scale musicals with good music.
Don't see it if you want all the bells and whistles that come with Broadway shows.
See it if you want to see a classic; wonderful cast and a truly sweet and entertaining musical; good for families
Don't see it if you want a big production - this is minimalistic but lovely; proof you don't need an expensive set to entertain
Also It took the announcement of closing to get me there and I'm so glad I ... Read more Read less
See it if you've never seen it before. It's going to close soon, and it is a true classic that deserves to be seen. The show charms and is still fun.
Don't see it if you hate classics, don't like shows that are cute and charming, want something that is dark, want something heavy or thought-provoking.
See it if You want to see a classic musical. It's been around for 57 years after all! This is a 1950s style score and the singing fits. Very sweet.
Don't see it if It's dated - the script has not been updated and a few of the jokes are uncomfortable. No power ballad singing like Idina Menzel
See it if you like comedies
Don't see it if you don't like comedies
See it if You want to feel truly transported.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals.
See it if you enjoy a more avante gard approach to musical theatre that includes excellent music and clever writing.
Don't see it if you are not open minded enough to not run from the room hearing the phrase "a pretty rape".
See it if You never have. The score is still as beautiful as it was in 1960.
Don't see it if it bothers you that the boy has never learned to sing unmiked he has the best numbers, big disappointment El Gallo & the girl sing well
See it if you like Monty Python type humor, romeo and juliet esque plots and fun songs to tie the show together
Don't see it if You dont like minimalist staging, imagining plot progression visually and some physical/slapstick humor
See it if you are curious why it's been on for 57 years. It was quirky and kind of charming. Surprisingly good and funny players.
Don't see it if You just dont care. It's never been on your radar nor ever will be.
See it if You enjoy chamber musicals with minimal sets, cast members, band. Longest running off-Broadway production. Cute but simple. Classic show.
Don't see it if You don't like chamber musicals. It's simplistic and a bit cheesy, but classic and heartwarming. Every high school has done this show.
See it if you want to see why it's been playing for so long.
Don't see it if you don't like quirky
See it if You want to see a slow, outdated show
Don't see it if You want to see a new,interesting story
See it if You like pure slap stick, simplicity in story and setting and are easily amused.
Don't see it if You expect some maturity in the storyline and presentation. One of the worst plays I've ever seen for my taste
See it if you're looking for a simple/classic theatre experience.
Don't see it if you're looking for something new or refreshing.
See it if If you like classics with beautiful melodies and happy love stories.
Don't see it if If you want something a little deeper and don't like stereotypical shows.
See it if I liked it
Don't see it if No reason not to see it
See it if you like basic, simple storytelling without any of the bells or whistles. An old-fashioned simple tale with a great score and a lot of heart
Don't see it if you want a lot of depth to the story or characters, or want large production values, or want something modern and trendy
See it if you've never seen it before. It's a classic title that is decent family fare. (You should be able to find deep discounts for this show.)
Don't see it if you have fond memories of the original Off-Bway run. This is a pretty low-budget production in an awkward space, albeit admirably performed.