The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes this season with its first-ever production of the world's longest-running musical, "The Fantasticks." The show opened off Broadway in 1960 and ran for 42 years.
In the Rep's shiny production, directed by Victoria Bussert, it's easy to see how the show became so beloved: It's all about magic and the power of imagination.
"The Fantasticks" is the story of two next-door-neighbor fathers, Bellomy (Scott Schafer) and Hucklebee (Dan Sharkey), who conspire to arrange a marriage of their children. They stage a feud and prohibit the kids, Luisa (Stella Heath) and Matt (Cory Michael Smith), from seeing one another. Any parent will agree, the easiest way to manipulate a child is to say no.
There is some ridiculousness about the fathers' building a wall between the two homes, then tearing it down, then rebuilding it, then tearing it down again. Acceptable — the title itself guarantees a good amount of fancy.
Also, there is glitter, confetti and lots of dancing (choreographed by Martin Céspedes). Just suspend disbelief and enjoy the magic.
Heath and Smith make an adorable couple, and they have chemistry as two starry-eyed lovers navigating youth.
Brian Sutherland is likable as the narrator and El Gallo, the con man who helps the dads dupe the children into falling in love. The Mute (Sara M. Bruner) charms us without saying a word. Whether she's moving scenery, holding up an imaginary wall or hanging a cardboard moon, Bruner helps us connect the dots between the characters' feelings and what we're seeing.
Joneal Joplin and John Woodson play two washed-up actors, Henry and Mortimer, hired to participate in El Gallo's ruse. Their hijinks are scene stealers (especially Mortimer's specialty: dying).
There are moments when "The Fantasticks" shows its age. "It Depends on What You Pay," for example, makes frequent, jovial use of the word "rape." It's an antiquated meaning for "abduct."
Scenic design by Gary M. English and lights by Peter E. Sargent are gorgeous — simple and complex simultaneously. A jungle-gym-type structure dominates the stage and serves as a variety of locales. Colored lanterns overhead and a backdrop of wispy clouds contribute a fanciful, breezy quality.
Musical director and pianist David Horstman and harpist Elizabeth Gerberding provide accompaniment as authors Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt intended.
How the Rep has managed not to stage "The Fantasticks" until now is a mystery. But the time-tested favorite is a perfect way to bring the season to a close.
By Gabe Hartwig • ©2010 St. Louis Post-Dispatch, STLtoday.com • Published 03.21.10
