Deceptively simple yet deeply moving and beautifully produced, this little musical jewel holds the distinction of being America's longest-running theatrical production ever. The Tony Award-winning show played for 42 years Off Broadway and is still packing them in on Broadway. If I had my way, Porchlight Music Theatre's 15th-season opener would have at least as long a run.
Life Magazine once called "The Fantasticks" a "sophisticated story about innocence." The timeless, universal fable about love is the perfect kickoff to Porchlight's season, which is to be dedicated to the challenges and rewards of growing up. Guest director Sean Kelly has created a production that, while faithful to the original, sparkles with touches of brilliance that makes it feel fresh and new to those of us familiar with the musical. Playwright and composer Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones borrowed elements from Kabuki and Noh Theatre, ancient mythology, poetry, Shakespeare and Thornton Wilder to create a unique theatrical form that is traditionally played like comedia dell 'arte on a platform before a makeshift curtain. Kelly takes this idea a step further.
Without much of a set or props to draw from (only a few chairs, some Oriental rugs and a grand piano and harp dress the stage, and the score has never sounded lovelier), the audience must rely on its imagination. Designer Izumi Inaba creates whimsy with her inspired costume touches like Louisa's toy crown, Matt's horn-rimmed glasses and Mortimer's peg leg. Without the usual curtains, confetti and prop box, Tanya McBride's Mute must rely upon her graceful movement and expressive face to help tell the story of two fathers who put up a wall between their houses in order to ensure that their children fall in love.
But this production also shines because of three of its leading actors. Equity actor Jeff Parker, so captivating in last season's "Nine," is sexy, subtly nuanced and in excellent voice as El Gallo. As Matt, the always reliable Sean Effinger-Dean finally gets to demonstrate his versatility as actor and musician (even taking over at the piano at one point). However it is newcomer Emma Rosenthal who will steal your heart with her stunning, spot-on portrayal of Louisa, a 16-year-old child who grows into a young woman before your very eyes. Theater is ephemeral; but this production will live with you for a long time.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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