A timeless story of young love, innocence, and self-discovery opens at Gallery 7 next week.
The Fantasticks, by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, is considered to be the longest running musical in theatre history.
“I’m so thrilled to see that such an incredibly talented group of theatre artists, both on and off the stage, has been assembled to bring this production to life,” says executive artistic director Ken Hildebrandt.
“I think audiences will really delight in the charming music, the amazing singing and the humorous, if not slightly bizarre storyline. There’s a reason this play has been running off-Broadway for over 50 years – it’s a perfect pre-summer treat.”
Set on a simple platform suggesting a timeless period and nameless location, a story of love plays out as young sweethearts enjoy innocent bliss and romance. When they discover their courtship is the result of the manipulations of their two fathers, the seeds of rebellion are sown and the temptations of the world threaten to pull them apart forever. An entertaining and beautifully written story, The Fantasticks features such famous songs as Try to Remember and Soon It’s Gonna Rain.
Gallery 7 Theatre’s production will feature a plethora of talented musical theatre artists from across the Fraser Valley.
The Fantasticks will be directed by Charlene Crawford, her first project in the director’s chair for Gallery 7 Theatre.
• The Fantasticks runs June 8, 9, 14-16, 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. with additional discounted matinees on June 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the MEI Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Rd. in Abbotsford. For tickets, call Gallery 7’s box office at 1-800-665-8828.
