Whimsical, poignant and romantic, The Fantasticks focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love.
In a theatrical and inventive fashion, the gallant and enigmatic narrator – El Gallo – introduces a pair of young lovers – Matt and Luisa – who experience the magical, moonlit phase of falling in love. For a time, romance seems perpetually exciting, and heroics always seem to save the day.
El Gallo leads our young protagonists from the romantic moonlight into the harsh sunshine, where the weaknesses in their relationship are exposed and the reality of the struggles and heartache love brings is revealed. With the understanding that without a hurt the heart is hollow, Matt and Luisa search to find their own identities, and in turn, to discover their strengths as a couple in times of both darkness and light.
Critically acclaimed Wooden Horse Productions (LOVEBiTES) again joins Hayes Theatre Co to bring an exciting new interpretation by director Helen Dallimore (High Society), featuring an exquisite cast led by Martin Crewes.
Crewes returns to the Hayes Theatre Co stage for the first time since his Helpmann Award nominated performance in Sweet Charity, and performs alongside Laurence Coy (High Society, The Drowsy Chaperone), Garry Scale (Hairspray, The Boy From Oz) and recent graduates Bobbie-Jean Henning (WAAPA) and Jonathan Hickey (Qld Conservatorium).
With music by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones, and hit songs such as Try to Remember and Soon It’s Gonna Rain, it’s no wonder The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in history.
Director: Helen Dallimore Featuring: Laurence Coy, Martin Crewes, Bobbie-Jean Henning, Jonathan Hickey, Garry Scale Assistant Director/Choreographer: Cameron Mitchell Production Designer: Hugh O’Connor Lighting Designer: Christopher Page Co-Musical Directors: Hayden Barltrop & Glenn Moorhouse Sound Designer: Jeremy Silver Stage Manager: Lauren Tulloh Executive Producer: Troy Alexander Producer: Jai Higgs
The Fantasticks
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season continues to 31 January 2015
Bookings: (02) 8065 7337 or online at: www.hayestheatre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Jonathan Hickey and Bobbie-Jean Henning in The Fantasticks – photo by Marnya Rothe