"Fantasticks" question for all you experts

[WillParker]

"Fantasticks" question for all you experts#0

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!!!

"I'll eat some breakfast then change the world." "I hate you, and I hate your ass face!"

[NativeNewYorker]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#1

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]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#2

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]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#3

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.

"I say YOU'RE the CUTEST one. No, I say YOU'RE the CUTEST One. And we go on like that from dawn to three."

[rclocalz]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#4

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?

http://www.glamsmash.com/ - Glamsmash Productions, a video production company in the heart of New York City

[WillParker]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#5

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! :)

"I'll eat some breakfast then change the world." "I hate you, and I hate your ass face!"

[Mary_Ethel]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#6

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! :)

"I say YOU'RE the CUTEST one. No, I say YOU'RE the CUTEST One. And we go on like that from dawn to three."

[jacobtsf]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#7

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.

David walked into the valley With a stone clutched in his hand He was only a boy But he knew someone must take a stand There will always be a valley Always mountains one must scale There will always be perilous waters Which someone must sail -Into the Fire Scarlet Pimpernel

[WillParker]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#8

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!!!

"I'll eat some breakfast then change the world." "I hate you, and I hate your ass face!"

[Theatreboy33]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#9

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]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#10

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]

re: 'Fantasticks' question for all you experts#11

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

you're welcome

Ignorance is temporary. Stupidity last forever. Watch out BWW... HE'S BACK.