The Fantasticks - I didn't get it...- Page 2

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 6:10pm

It's a simple show, with simple melodies and a very simple staging. It's not everyone's cup of tea.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 6:23pm

Holy mother of god, $76??????? I can't blame you for being disappointed. I love the simple charming show, but 'simple' 'charming' and $76 just do not go together. This should have a $20 ticket and be a nice alternative to big expensive spectacles on Bway.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 6:32pm

Well, there is a bit of stupidity to pay THAT much ($76). Discounts are EVERYWHERE for the show. So I blame them for that.

The only reason the producers set that price (as every producer does) is some people will pay it. They set the budget based on the discount price.

All Broadway and Off-Broadway shows are budgeted based on discount--or bottom line--prices to keep a show running.

When a show is a hit, they get top dollar. But they can still run on the discount provided they're still getting butts in the seats.

Shockingly, this person paid full price when the show has announced a closing date.

I too would hate the show at that price...

[nmartin]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 6:41pm

I agree with Gymdudeva. If done by the right people, it is exceedingly charming and emotional. I've seen it once and been in it once. Both experiences were wonderful.

[thenewmoon]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 7:59pm

Enough with the "objective" explanations and evaluations of the merit of "The Fantasticks,"; like any revival, an audience member's enjoyment is contingent on previous experiences.
When I saw it in 2001 on Sullivan Street, I had a similar reaction--I didn't know the story or the music going in, I found the performances bland at best, and walked out going 'Eh.' Things happened-- I saw (and, ok, liked) the movie; I got the album and learned the music, I learned my parents' and grandparents' affection for the show...
Then I saw it in the revival, around Christmas 2006, and simply adored it. It probably had nothing to do with the actual quality of the show, I think, but my own personal frame of reference was what it made seem so much more special. It's certainly not for everyone. But then, I sat impassive through "Wicked," so...

[Dancin Thru Life]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 8:09pm

There's no reason for anyone to apologize.

I GOT it...and STILL hated it!

To each his own Fantasticks!

[orange2]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 8:10pm

"The Fantasticks" requires more from its audience than most shows. In order to have an enjoyable experience at this show you must disengage, and invest your mind in the charm of the whole thing. It's harder for some people. I have always enjoyed this show.

[knicknut]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 8:17pm

Well, there is a bit of stupidity to pay THAT much ($76). Discounts are EVERYWHERE for the show. So I blame them for that.
Shockingly, this person paid full price when the show has announced a closing date.

I never said I paid full price. I just said that ticket prices were $76, a price they apparently expect some people to pay and be satisfied with the production. I was judging the show from that perspective. I've never paid full price for a show in my life (until my closing day Rent ticket, that is).

Because I can see how one can jump to that conclusion from my original post, I'll ignore the thinly veiled attempt to call me stupid.

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 8:22pm

I hated it, too.
I thought the performances were incredible, though (mind you, i saw it with the OOBRC)

[winston89]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 8:55pm

I saw the show a few weeks ago. Having only had the sullivian street production to remember. I was about nine or so when I saw it with my grandparents but now looking back ( almost ten years later) it is very much a faded memory. I LOVED it when I saw it. I had been reluctant to see it after they announced the revival because I thought that I remember it all. But, I was wrong. I LOVED it and will always love it. It is small and perfect in every way.


I was talking to the guy at the box office. He had said that confessions of a soccer mom. The show to take the Orbach theatre next. Is a strictly limited run. Leaving the theatre open after it is done. He had said that there are talks of the Fantasticks coming back after soccer mom is over. I hope it does. This show is and forever will be amazing.

[Mamie]

Posted: 2/11/08 at 9:08pm

I saw this production shortly after it opened and I was thoroughly enchanted with it. I don't know if time or cast changes may have changed it but I would be delighted if I could go back and capture that feeling each time I go to NY. It can't happen of course - but it makes it clear to me why the original lasted as long as it did.

[PUPPETMAN]

Posted: 2/12/08 at 12:36am

It is all explained in Curious Paradox:

There is a curious paradox that no one can explain
Who understands the reason for the reaping of the grain
Or why spring is born of winter's laboring pain
Or why we must all die a bit before we grow again
I do not know the reason, I merely know it's true
I hurt them for that reason - and myself a little bit too

This leads into the haunting They Were You.
Updated On: 2/12/08 at 12:36 AM

[whimsical]

Posted: 2/12/08 at 1:12am

Aww. The Fantasticks may very well be my favorite musical of all time, so it hurts me to see people not like it. And I think Tom Jones IS funny. That said, I completely understand that it may not be everyone's cup of tea. And I also have seen very random productions that I enjoyed more than this revival.

The show beautiful in it's simplicity, and I do not think it's "trying too hard."

[laura is broadway]

Posted: 2/12/08 at 11:28am

I saw a local theatre production and thought it was quite entertaining. I was expecting more from it, and I was a little disappointed. But overall I thought it was enjoyable, and much better than many shows....

[SamIAm]

Posted: 2/12/08 at 3:08pm

I worked in the Fantasticks years ago. It is a beautiful little piece and very innocent (indicative of the times). It may not play as well today but I still love the story and the music.