HILLSBORO — The sixth main stage production in Myers Dinner Theatre’s 26th anniversary season will be The Fantasticks, book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, opening Wednesday with seating for dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m., and running through Sept. 4.
This production is being co-directed by James and Dion Stover. Since its opening in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York, and its subsequent revival at the Jerry Orbach Theatre, The Fantasticks remains the longest-running production of any kind in the history of American Theatre. Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
“Try To Remember” a time when this romantic charmer wasn’t enchanting audiences around the world. At the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. A funny and romantic musical about a boy (Evan Schmit), a girl (Emmie Wright), and their two fathers (TJ Bird and Ty Hanes) who try to keep them apart.
The narrator, El Gallo (Jordan Jones), asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo’s words that, “without a hurt, the heart is hollow.” The Fantasticks is an intimate show that will engage the audience’s imagination and showcase a strong ensemble cast, featuring award-winning local harpist, Taylor Mermoud. Its moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become classics.
The Fantasticks opens Wednesday and runs through Sept. 4, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees seating for meals at 11:30 a.m. and curtain at 1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening performances seat for meals at 6 p.m. with curtain at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee seats for meals at 12:30 p.m. and curtain at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased by phone at 765-798-4902, ext. 2, or by visiting the MDT website at www.myersdt.com. Performance dates vary, so consult the online calendar for show dates and times. Theatre prices are $49.50 for dinner and theatre, $35 for students (ages 4-18), and show-only for $33. Prices do not include taxes, handling fees or gratuity. Season tickets, group pricing and bus parking are also available.
Myers Dinner Theatre is located at 108 Water St., Hillsboro, and is handicap accessible.
