My (brief) review of "The Fantasticks"

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:04pm

I saw it Wednesday afternoon after a long, hot bus ride from Boston, and it made my day. I loved every minute of it! I was somewhat familiar with the show, having heard the OOBCR, but was especially impressed with the beauty of the score (it reminded me of 110 in the Shade, which was no wonder since they're by the same composing team), the simple but effective plot, witty book, Brechtian style of acting, and all-around flawless performances. The production design, like the plot, was simple but effective, and was a perfect fit for the intimate theatre.
All in all, an incredible show, which I encourage you all to see, if you haven't seen this production (or cast) already!

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:39pm

Gald you enjoyed - I saw the production a few months ago and was very pleased.

Was Nick Spangler (currently on The Amazing Race) still playing The Boy?

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:52pm

Yes, and he was wonderful!
I forgot to mention how refreshing it was to hear unamplified singing in a musical, and how great the pianist and harpist were!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/30/08 at 11:58pm

I caught the last incarnation playing the Snapple Center on January 7, 2008. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the production. Really, really stellar. Burke Moses was my (INCREDIBLE) El Gallo. Who do they have in the role now, and what of the rest of the cast?

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 12:10am

I saw Burke Moses in Kiss Me, Kate and The Frogs and he was fantastic(k) in both. I wish I could have seen him as El Gallo, too, but the guy I saw (Lewis Cleale) was splendid.
Cast list:
El Gallo: Lewis Cleale
Matt: Nick Spangler
Luisa: Margaret Anne Florence
Hucklebee: Gene Jones
Bellomy: Steve Routman
Henry: John Thomas Waite
Mortimer: Michael Nostrand (it's so nice to see successful actors who are my height!)
Mute: Jordan Nichols

Pianist: Robert Felstein
Harpist: Jacqueline Kerrod

Again, everyone was amazing. There was not a single weak link in the cast.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 12:21am

This is a show that I have had a chance to see, years ago and didn't, and feel is one I must see. Thank you for your review. I am trying to get back to NYC in January and really should put it on my list.

I am a big fan of The Amazing Race. Nick kinda ticked me off the week they had to find the names on the wall and told the guy he would help him out and didn't. I know, I know(!) it is a competition. But it was early in the race and helping the other guy may have benefitted him. But he is in the top 3 and racing for the million next week.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 1:48am

RE: Michael Nostrand

As a guy who has a 'thing' with height, how tall is he?
I, too, get a kick outta actors that are my height. Haha
Gives me a sense of purpose in this business.

Best,
- Mike

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/1/08 at 8:56am

I'm 5'3, and he seemes abouth my height at the SD, so I'd say he's between 5'2 and 5'4. I actually spoke to him about it, and he said he thought it was an advantage, since we are "typed" as short guys, and there are less short guys than tall guys (especially in theatre), and therefore less competition.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/2/08 at 10:58pm

Bump

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 12/3/08 at 1:30am

I agree 100% with your review!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/3/08 at 1:39am

Where exactly is the stage door for the show? Is it outside?

I dragged my roommate through the rain to see this show, and we both really enjoyed it. I love the understated score. It was beautiful with just a harp and piano. I wish they would have amped up the design a little. I know it's suppose to be small and on a shoe-string budget, but I think they could have make it even more beautiful. And this is one of those CDs that I always think "oh, this is what I need to get," but I never end up getting it.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/3/08 at 1:43am

Thanks, Muscle!
The SD is in the theatre's lobby. Basically, if you stand around long enough after the show, you'll see the actors coming out.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/3/08 at 7:42pm

Actually, this production is "gently miked" to accommodate the thrust stage. Without some subtle amplification, the audience wouldn't be able to hear when the actors' backs are toward them.