"Fantasticks" question for all you experts

[WillParker]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 9:55am

I'm currently playing Matt in a production of "The Fantasticks, which is a dream come true, by the way--my first experience with the show was seeing the final NYC cast a month or so before it closed--it was the most magical & enchanting experience I've ever had in the theater. I know the gentleman who played The Boy's Father occasionally posts on this board, and if you happen to read this, sir, THANK YOU for a thrilling experience.

On the the actual question--We're doing a special matinee for some area high schools & middle schools tomorrow which is slated to include a Q&A or "talk-back" session. A teacher from one of the schools that will be attending is involved in our production and a few of her kids have asked about the siginificance of the title, 'The Fantasticks' and also the significance of the spelling--the extra K. The cast & crew were kind of stumped when the teacher asked us about it, so we figured we'd better find the answer before the kids asked us tomorrow & we look like idiots. :)

Anyone out there know the significance of the title itself and of the random K?

Thanks in advance!!!

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 10:06am

I have two books on the history of the show...I'll try to see if it's in those later! I remember reading something...I will check!

[Jon]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 11:00am

The show is based on a play by Edmund Rostand (most well known for Cyrano de Bergerac) called "Les Romanesques". Maybe Jones & Schmidt just wanted a title that kind of sounded like the French original.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 2:13pm

LESS ROMANSQUES ("The Romancers") was written by Rostand to be a gentle parody of ROMEO AND JULIET.

When Schmidt & Jones adapted it into a musical, they choose to do it in the years-old "Commedia Dell Arte" French type of Theater--acors wearing masks, extraordinary and fantastic things always happening,etc.--hence the name THE FANTASTICKS.

Unfortunately, I could not determine the source of the 'k.'

Hope this helps a little! :)

P.S. Schmidt and Jones initially conceived the musical version of LESS ROMANSQUES as taking place on two adjourning ranches in Texas under the title JOY COMES TO DEAD HORSE.

[rclocalz]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 2:35pm

Such interesting information Mary_Ethel. I always thought of the K as an artistic decision. Sort of like "Kool" instead of "Cool" for the cigarette brand. I have played the character of Henry, the actor before and absolutley love the show.

WillParker, where will your show be performing?

[WillParker]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 2:38pm

thanks so much, mary_ethel! much appreciated!

rclocalz, we're ending our run this weekend in Columbia, Tn, about 45 minutes south of nashville...if you'd like more info, send me a private message! :)

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 3:01pm

I think you're probably right! The 'k' was just an artistic decision to give the show a more "glitzy" title.

Thanks for the insight, rclocalz! :)

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 3:53pm

I don't know the answer but I just want to say that I played Matt a few years ago and it was an amazing time, such a great show.

[WillParker]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 3:55pm

it really really is--i'm having the time of my life....i mean, to be able to perform "i can see it"???? please!!!

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 5:01pm

This is a wonderful show. Im actually playing Henry in a performance of it this weekend. here's the info in case anyone wants to attend--

The Fantasticks
Friday, Oct 22 @ 8pm
Saturday, Oct 23 @ 7pm and 10pm
Sunday, Oct 24 @ 2pm and 7pm
Performances at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting
31 W. 27th Street, 2nd Floor
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at theatremania.com or at the door

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 5:08pm

Ohhhh, bad weekend for me! I so would have come...good luck! :)

All I could find in the book was the bit about the logo being in his own handwriting (after testing about several others) and the "added K"...no mention of what that extra K is there for :)

Good luck to the two actors and their different productions! Makes me happy to know that show is still being performed somewhere every day.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 6:59pm

you're welcome