Pasadena Playhouse Presents a New Take on ‘The Fantasticks’

Nicole Surratt

The Pasadena Playhouse is running a newly rewritten production of “The Fantasticks,” the world’s longest running musical that has been staged in over 67 countries.

“The Fantasticks” is an allegorical musical based loosely on the play “Les Romanesques” by Edmond Rostand. The production opened Off-Broadway in 1960, and ran an impressive 17,162 performances over the next 42 years, and was awarded the Tony Honors in 1991. Produced on a very low budget with a minimalist set, the play was a highly very stylized mixture of traditional musical theatre, classic Italian commedia dell’arte, and Japanese Noh theatre.

In “The Fantasticks,” Matt and Luisa begin what they think is a secret, forbidden romance when in actuality, their fathers are pretending to feud in order to manipulate the pair into falling in love. The two fathers hire a professional to kidnap Luisa, Matt “saves” her, and the parents pretend to end their feud, but the children soon learn about the sham and have to deal with their disillusionment.

This production is directed by Seema Sueko, who reached out to original lyricist Tom Jones with ideas for a new approach to the play. Jones was “so impressed by what she wrote” that they began communicating specifics, and he started rewriting parts of “The Fantasticks.” Sueko, whose cast includes Tony Award winner Hal Linden, said that “these eight individuals bring a unique artistry and life experience to what we hope will be a timely and resonant production.” Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse said, “I have no doubt that the entire company will bring both freshness and immediacy to this great classic that will have audiences not just rediscovering the show, but in fact seeing it as if for the first time.” The theatre is also offering a post-show discussion with the cast following the September 25 matinee performance.

“The Fantasticks” will begin previews at Pasadena Playhouse Sept. 6 and will perform Wednesday through Sunday until Oct. 2. Tickets may be found here.