ESU Theatre Department to Present The Fantasticks, February 24-28<\/p>\n
Music and romance will take the stage at East Stroudsburg University as the theatre department presents the American musical classic, The Fantasticks, February 24-28.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis show is a valentine, blending comedy and romance with a lyrical score to produce an enchanting theatrical experience,\u201d said Margaret J. Ball, D.M.A., associate professor of theatre and the production\u2019s director.<\/p>\n
With book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, the musical features two parents who try to trick their children into falling in love, but create a cascade of unanticipated consequences.<\/p>\n
Memorable songs like \u201cTry to Remember\u201d and \u201cSoon it\u2019s Gonna Rain\u201d helped The Fantasticks run for more than 17,000 performances in New York City, making it the world\u2019s longest-running musical.
\n, \u201cThe musical is a mash up, paying homage to many popular forms of theatre and entertainment,\u201d Dr. Ball said. \u201cThe show combines elements from the ancient myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, Shakespeare\u2019s Romeo and Juliet, Commedia d\u2019ell arte, Opera Comique, \u2019Beat\u2018 poetry, Latin dance music of the 1950\u2019s and, even Zorro.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fantasticks was conceived for a small space,\u201d Dr. Ball said., \u201cSo, for the first time, the theatre department is presenting a musical in the Dale Snow Black Box Theatre. The production is totally acoustical, using the original orchestration of piano and harp.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to the small cast size, the musical has been double cast so that more of our students will benefit from the performing and educational experience,\u201d Dr. Ball said..
\nThe set and costume designer is Yoshinori Tanokura,associate professor of theatre. Guest artist Bruce Abbot designed the lighting and Associate Professor Betsy Buzzelli-Clarke, Ed.D, is musical director.<\/p>\n
Curtain times for the production are 7:30 p.m. February 24-26, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on February 27 and 2 p.m. on February 28.<\/p>\n
All performances are in the Dale Snow Theatre of the university\u2019s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg. Advance ticket purchase is recommended because of the intimate size of the theatre.<\/p>\n
General admission for the production is $12, $10 for senior citizens, faculty and staff with ID,$7 for students with ID and $5 for youth. This play is recommended for ages 10 and above.
\nTickets may be purchased in advance online with a credit card at esu.edu\/theatretickets. Remaining seats will be available at the box office beginning one hour before the performance. Only cash and checks are accepted at the box office.<\/p>\n