It's Fantastick!
by Sarah Teach
Who can resist a classic story of young love that goes awry but circles back to idyllic perfection? A heartwarming tale that is spilling over with slapstick and catchy melodies, The Fantasticks has been a household name since its Off Broadway debut in 1960. And after playing for 42 years at Greenwich Village’s 150-seat Sullivan Street Playhouse, it remains the world’s longest-running musical. For the next week-and-a-half, our own Theatre Workshop of Nantucket presents The Fantasticks at Centre Stage, and pays the famous show justice by giving it a cast of TWN’s top acting talent.
Both the irony and the beauty of The Fantasticks is that it showcases unreserved fantasy while maintaining simplicity. This musical is unadorned, and focuses on the story itself rather than a flashy set. An abundance of on-stage glitter is where the garish ends (though I do feel for the person who cleans the stage after the show)! The actors are occasionally aware of the audience, drawing us in through the interactive drama. Tony-winning playwrights Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, both now in their early eighties, succeeded in their effort to create something that was “not locked into a time period.” The play seems to speak most loudly to parents, especially those of adult children. As the two father characters talk of paying for kids’ college educations, understanding laughter swells throughout an audience that is filled with “been there, done thats.” Still, the play resonates with a younger crowd as well; less than a decade ago, I myself was 16. It has, after all, become amusing to relive the defiant hysterics of a teenage girl!
Suitably, the acting is slathered with intentional overstatement. Nantucket favorite A.T. Wilce is completely absurd (read: perfect) as Mortimer, The Man Who Dies. This fall, Wilce plans to leave the island to pursue his acting career in New York City. We’re happy for him, but sad for us; his unique contributions to TWN will be tough to replace. (Good luck out there, A.T., and we hope to soon see you pouting on a Hollywood billboard!) Bradford Garrison returns to TWN’s stage as The Mute, proving that his comedic abilities extend beyond line recital. But of course, not everyone is mute. Fail to correctly pronounce The Narrator’s name, El Gallo, and he won’t hesitate to scorn you. Played by the devastatingly handsome Kevin Mohler, El Gallo struts about the stage offering his insight before being thrust seamlessly into the story itself. This role gives Mohler the chance to wield his tactile aptitude. The stage becomes putty in his hands, right alongside the heart of every sentimental fool in the audience. Mohler was born to grace the stage and knows it, making him an ideal leading man.
As The Boy and The Girl, Nantucket High School graduates Matt Huberman and Alex Kopko fool you into believing their love is real. Cherubic-looking Huberman exemplifies a standard 19-year-old male as he proudly proclaims his passion for The Girl: “I defy biology and achieve… ignorance!” A captivating songstress, the gorgeous Kopko has been impeccably cast as The Girl. With a voice that is tender yet strong, Kopko definitely shoulders the musical portion of the production. The Girl’s innocent charm evokes your protective nature; you yearn for a happily-ever-after ending just as much as she does. Like most 16-year-olds, The Girl does not take kindly to her overprotective father’s suggestions, and she is delighted to be swept away by an unapproved party when he isn’t looking. Meanwhile, directing The Fantasticks is Kopko’s real-life father, Michael Kopko, who couldn’t be prouder of the show’s leading lady!
The dynamics between the two on-stage fathers (played by dual Davids Taylor and McCandless) are outrageous; and even the most tight-lipped theatergoer cannot resist breaking into a smile at their antics. Somewhere, there must be a law of nature saying, “When two men aged 50+ perform corresponding jigs alongside one another, it invariably ends in hilarity for all who witness it.” For your laughs, you can thank the choreographers: Gabrielle Gould (TWN’s multitalented Executive Director) and Laura Gallagher Byrne (director of TWN’s Peter Pan).
Great news for young families: you don’t need to find a babysitter in order to see The Fantasticks. Though some of the humor may fly over the kids’ heads, the show is colorful and entertaining, steering clear of crudity, foul language, and other adult content. It makes for a fantastic(k) family night! This coming Wednesday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m., a special performance will be given specifically for children on the Autism Spectrum or who have needs that may make it difficult to attend live theater. All children with special needs (and their families) will be guests of TWN for the evening. To book these tickets, just call the box office at 508-228-4305 and get ready to enjoy a cost-free night out!
The Fantasticks plays at Centre Stage, which is located below the Methodist Church at 2 Centre Street. Catch the show at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20, or attend the 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, August 21. The final week of shows kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, followed by nightly showings at 5:30 p.m., from Wednesday through Saturday, August 27. Get your tickets while you can by visiting www.TheatreWorkshop.com or calling 508-228-4305. You won’t regret coming to experience this classic tale portrayed the Nantucket way! Closing night for The Fantasticks is Saturday, August 27; so try to remember to see it before September!
