“THE FANTASTICKS”
Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The historic Ivoryton Playhouse’s first show of their season is The Fantasticks”, a 1960 musical with music by Harvey Schmitt and lyrics by Tom Jones. The original show opened off Broadway on May 3, 1960, ran for 17,162 performances, closing on January 13, 2002. It tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the play “Les Romanesques” by Edmond Rostond, concerning two parents who put a wall up between their two houses to ensure that their children fall in love, because they know children always do what their parents forbid.
Seeking to end the charade, the parents hire the services of a rogue, El Gallo, who is also the narrator as well as a roving actor and his sidekick to stage a ”phony abduction” of Luisa so that Matt can rescue her. In the aftermath of this successful scheme, however, both the boy and girl experience hardships along the way. They rediscover their love for each other and try to develop a more mature relationship. Director Brian Feehan infuses his cast with the necessary energy to play these roles and musical director Jill Brunelle obtains some terrific vocals from this talented cast, creating a terrific musical treat for their very appreciative audience. Brian also creates some inventive dances for his talented cast. They are rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation at the end of the performance.
Brian’s direction is marvelous from start to finish, eliciting strong performances from his cast. He makes the show fresh and alive for current day audiences. Jill taught them the gorgeous harmonic numbers and plays lead keyboard beautifully. The incredible set is by Martin Scott Marchitto which consists of Roman style columns with fabulous lighting by Marcus Abbott which fits each of the seasons changing during the show. Playing El Gallo is David Pittsinger. His El Gallo is still the rogue who pretends to be the good guy. David’s strong bass-baritone voice renders the most well known song in the show “Try To Remember” as well as the powerful duet “I Can See It” with Matt and the sinister “Round and Round” with Luisa while Matt is tortured on his world travels. He displays his comic side during the abduction scene with Henry and Mortimer and in “It Depends On What You Pay” with the parents. This is one more feather in his cap having played Emile in “South Pacific” and Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha” at Ivoryton Playhouse.
Ryan Bloomquist and Kimberley Immanuel play Matt and Luisa splendidly. They capture the innocent love in Act 1 and their renewed love at the end of Act 2. Their glorious tenor and soprano voices soar off the charts with their musical numbers including “Metaphor”, “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You”, the loveliest ballad in the show. Kimberley is a stunning brunette whose first number is “Much More” which displays her voice while Ryan’s voice shines in the belting duet “I Can See It” with David. He is astounding in this role. They also do an excellent job with the jazz quartet “This Plum Is Too Ripe” with the two parents. The Mute in the show is fabulously played by Corey Candelet. He is a whirlwind of activity, handing out props, being the wall as well as rain and snow. He brings a joie de vivre to the role of the Mute. Corey is onstage the whole show and has marvelous facial expressions and reactions to what’s happening. He also dances in “Plant a Radish” with the mothers and in “Round and Round” with Luisa.
The comic parents are played excellently by Patricia Schuman and Carly Callahan as Hucklebee and Bellomy. They voices are superb and they are very funny when they pretend to argue to get the kids together. Their Spanish style number “Never Say No” and their vaudeville number “Plant a Radish” stop the show with merriment. They also sing with David in the Abduction song and with Ryan and Kimberley in “This Plum Is Too Ripe.” The two biggest scene stealers in this show are R. Bruce Connelly and Will Clark as Henry and Mortimer as they enter and exit through a huge trunk. They abduct Luisa in Act 1 and torture Matt in Act 2. R. Bruce spouts screwed up Shakespearean lines and tries to show the audience his old press notices from days gone by. William as the Indian has died on stage over 40 times. His death scene antics are priceless. They are a hoot in these madcap roles. I have many pleasant memories of this show, having played Henry twice in 1996 and 1998. I loved getting my revenge on learning Shakespearean lines. So for a marvelous musical treat that the whole family can enjoy, be sure to catch “The Fantasticks” at Ivoryton Playhouse before time runs out. Tell them Tony sent you. The historic theatre became the first summer stock company in Connecticut back in 1930 so it is celebrating it’s 88th season this year!
THE FANTASTICKS (21 March to 8 April)
Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St, Ivoryton, CT
1(860)767-7318 or www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
