A question re: The Fantasticks casting

[CMonaco92]

Posted: 6/5/16 at 7:03pm

I'm casting a production of "The Fantasticks" for a group of students. I'm wondering if, historically, the Mute and Mortimer have ever been doubled? I'm trying to find a way to sell the role of the Mute to a student who might feel his or her time is spent on better things than playing a non-speaking, singing or dancing role.

Thanks!

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 6/5/16 at 7:11pm

The Mute may be non-speaking and non-singing, but I'm not sure s/he is non-dancing. In productions I've seen, the Mute's movements are highly stylized--to the point the actor playing the role is the only "dancer" in the production.

I know actors tend to count their lines, but Mortimer is basically a one-bit part, with quite a bit less stage time than the Mute.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/5/16 at 7:22pm

I'd be teaching him that old adage about no small parts!   What an excellent teaching opportunity! 

I certainly wouldn't keep another actor from having a part just to make a different one feel better.