The Fantasticks
About the show
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. 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."
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
See it if You want to see a simple, charming show with a small cast in a very scaled down setting.
Don't see it if You’re looking for a huge Broadway production with elaborate costumes and dance numbers.
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 Amazing show to see before it closes!
Don't see it if You don't like musicals
See it if you want to see something simple but with a memorable, beautiful score.
Don't see it if You're looking for something lavish
See it if You love classic intimate theatre, timeless stories, romance.
Don't see it if You don't like classical musical theatre style, love, or predictable endings.
See it if you've never seen the show. Also see it to be swept up in the magic.
Don't see it if you don't like sentimental, magical stories.
See it if you appreciate a true, intimate classic gem of the theatre
Don't see it if just see it!
See it if you love having a poetic experience.
Don't see it if If you are not romantic.
See it if If you've never seen it, you're missing out on a delightful time. It's one of my all time favs!
Don't see it if You don;'t like comedy
See it if you've always loved it OR you've never seen it
Don't see it if you've seen it enough
See it if You know its history and are curious. A small beautiful musical with so many wonderful songs. Simple yet profound. Small and big-hearted.
Don't see it if You're not into small intimate musicals with a message. If you want big musical productions this is not for you. But it's a beautiful show.
See it if You are looking for a family friendly interactive experience
Don't see it if You don't enjoy the typical romance story
See it if just see it.
Don't see it if seriously, just see it.
See it if You enjoy pure acting, a great love story with rials and tribulations
Don't see it if You don't appreciate charming and the simplicity of staging
See it if you love beautiful music, well rounded characters, and want to understand why this is the longest running musical in history. Beautiful
Don't see it if you don't like romances, don't want to hear a great story that will really make you feel, want something standard and banal.
See it if You like boy meets girl musicals with a gorgeous score.
Don't see it if You expect special effects and falling chandeliers.
See it if You want a delightful show with great music
Don't see it if You're looking for a big Broadway production
See it if you enjoy a peaceful escape from everyday stresses, you would like to impress and be romantic with someone, and if you enjoy familiar music
Don't see it if you don't like musicals, or if you like original, new, edgy, stressful performances
See it if You love truly great musicals. This is a classic.
Don't see it if You love the typical mindless pablum of Broadway.
See it if You love simple musicals, timeless songs, beautiful staging, want to see a piece of NYC theatre history
Don't see it if You need elaborate sets or a fancy theatre or do not have an imagination or appreciate the best musical around
See it if you enjoy simple shows that accentuate a great story line and have great singing and romance
Don't see it if You want big sets and full-out production numbers
See it if Like old-fashioned classics. This one is beautiful.
Don't see it if Don't like small theatre and simple productions that could be done at a middle school.
See it if You love the classics, and don't mind a small venue.
Don't see it if You prefer big, flashy, modern shows.
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