The Fantasticks

[JamesBroadwayWiner]

Posted: 6/23/12 at 6:19pm

How has the Fantasticks been able to run for so long? It's a great show, but it seems like an off-Broadway show which doesn't get very much hype or advertistment at all would not be able to pull off such such long run. I can't imagine it would be a big draw for tourists, as it seems they would be more interested in the big, Broadway shows?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/23/12 at 6:27pm

First, I think it is a big draw for tourists, and second it cost peanuts to run it. Also, remember that it did close and reopen in 2006 even though everyone likes to pretend that it didn't.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 6/23/12 at 9:22pm

I certainly raced downtown to see it when I was a teenaged tourist in 1971.

[Jon]

Posted: 6/24/12 at 10:55am

It's a generational tradition. For decades, it was the live theatre equivalent of the "date movie". A sweet (and inexpensive) show for young couples. Then they get married, and go again on their anniversary. Then they take the kids.

When I saw it in 1990, the harpist was the daughter of the harpist from the eaerly 70's.

[TheresaG]

Posted: 6/24/12 at 1:18pm

First time I saw the Fantasticks was when I was pretty young and engaged to a real romantic. I really liked the show a lot. However, we broke up, a number of years passed, life went on and I didn't go back to see it again until a friend wanted to see it and asked me to go with her. And it was like seeing it from brand new eyes. I've been back several times since.

There's just something so basic and universal about that show that it keeps on appealing to people of all ages.

[THEATRICAL100]

Posted: 6/24/12 at 2:04pm

Does anyone go see it?

[jdrye222]

Posted: 6/24/12 at 5:08pm

I agree with the sentiments regarding its universal romance. Perfect "date night" for generations of all ages.
However, it lost a lot of its charm when it was no longer downtown in that little theater on Sullivan St. When I first saw it, in the 1990s, it was like having a little slice of the 1960s Greenwich Village still there, and felt really special.
Wish it was still playing downtown.
Nothing romantic about 50th and Broadway, above the Duane Reade.

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 6/24/12 at 10:17pm

I just saw the show today. It was excellent. Aaron Carter was really great -- I thought he was leaving in July but the lady at the box office told me he extended until the end of the year. Anyone know if this is true? I would love to see him in this show again.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/25/12 at 9:18pm

I thought Aaron Carter was exceptional as an actor--I didn't expect him to be that good. His singing voice is definitely "rock" and not suited to the score.

I saw the show recently while John Davidson played Henry. He was astonishingly good in the role.