"Fantasticks" question for all you experts

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!!!

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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.

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?

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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! :)

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

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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.