The original Fantasticks is considered the longest-running musical in the world. The Harbor Playhouse brings their own rendition to life.
With a cast of experienced actors like Charles Wilson, who plays Matt’s dad, who has acted in over 60 plays. He says The Fantasticks is not like any other musical.
“It’s not a normal musical, for sure. There are a lot of things that are left to the audiences imagination.”
The musical is about two young lovers whose fathers try to keep them apart.
“It’s an allegory of life,” says Wilson, “of growing up, getting into problematic situations, and getting out of them.”
The story itself is narrated by El Gallo, “who is kind of like a god,” says Wilson.
El Gallo, is a male-dominated role. But the Harbor Playhouse used their own rendition, casting, to their own knowledge, the first woman El Gallo.
“She delegates everything, she is the orchestrator,” Alexis Torres, says with confidence. “She will tell you exactly where to go and you will do it.”
Torres, who has been a part of six other shows at the Harbor Playhouse, believes this role puts a lot of pressure on the actor. “We haven’t found any other woman El Gallo. Like I’m, apparently, what looks to be the first. Which is very exciting.”
Torres and Wilson are part of an eight member cast in The Fantasticks. With an up-close and personal setting, played in the Zarsky Studio Theater. It’s a show for anyone and everyone.
When asked what viewers will take away from The Fantasticks, Torres said “it’s quirky and intimate, and relatable. It’s young love going through the trials of life and whether or not they push through it you’ll have to come and see the show to find out!”
Showtimes:
Friday, 2/1 @ 7:30
Saturday, 2/2 @ 7:30
Sunday, 2/3 @ 2:30
Friday, 2/8 @ 7:30
Saturday, 2/9 @ 7:30
Sunday, 2/10 @ 2:30
For showtime and ticket info visit the Harbor Playhouse website here.
