My lovely wife and I had a great time tonight enjoying The Fantasticks!
There's a good reason why the show holds the record as the longest-running musical: it's a great show!
Loaded with great songs, lots of humor, fantastic performances by some of Huntington's top actors, clever staging and an affecting story, it's just a joy from start to finish.
Taking the cast in order: Mike Murdock is both the Narrator and the wicked El Gallo, and he just kills - he's funny, charming, dynamic and drives the show with the skill and assurance of a theatre pro. It's a simple rule of thumb: if Mike's in a show, go see it.
Kristin Caviani is Luisa, the sweet, naive dreamer, and she's wonderful, with an outstanding singing voice and acting skills far beyond her young age. I knew she was a talented actress, but I was also impressed with her comedic skills - a terrific job!
Owen Reynolds is Matt, and in many ways he has the toughest job. His character is young, sincere, idealistic - a poet. As such he has to be the straight man for most of the show - but he plays it perfectly. He's also a terrific singer and manages an impressive swordfight with a broomstick! Oh, and he was also the show's choreographer!
Mark Near plays Hucklebee, one of the fathers - and I should admit I'm prejudiced here, because Mark is an old and dear friend - but he's a delight in this, with a perfect comedic touch and a wonderful singing voice.
The other dad is played by theatre veteran Bil Neal (who was also the musical director for the show), and he always lights up the stage - a great singer and a fantastic (and very funny) performer.
Dylan Clark (as Henry) and Erik Woods (as Mortimer) manage the near-impossible task (considering the talent on the stage) of stealing almost every scene they're in - absolutely a scream.
Patrick Taylor as Mute doesn't get to sing or even talk - but he pulls the show together, acting as sort of a living stage and prop master all at the same time.
Kudos to director Stephen Vance for a terrific show - cleverly staged with a minimal set and a cast with maximum talent!
Highly recommended! (Oh, and the meal was great, too!)
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