Village Theatre’s The Fantasticks: Reimagining a Classic

Love problems, and moral issues, Village Theatre’s The Fantasticks deals with it all. This interpretation delves into childhood naivety and the ways we can be misguided by the things we least suspect. Despite its well-trodden storyline, the production breathes new life into the classic tale, ensuring familiarity doesn't breed lethargy.

Set against a backdrop of two houses separated by a wall, the musical follows the story of two fathers who conspire to unite their children, Luisa and Matt. The show invites the audience to engage in the unfolding narrative, allowing for a more interactive and immersive experience. At times, the audience gets questioned by El Gallo, the narrator, and bandit in charge of uniting the children, or looked at directly by the cast, treated like the lesson is the audience’s to learn too. It is worth noting that while the production succeeds in revitalizing the script by taking out many controversial scenes, there are moments where it stumbles. A fleeting reference to rape felt out of place and unnecessary, detracting from the scene. As it was spoken so quickly, it solidified that the show could have easily gone on without it.

However, the use of simple magic tricks throughout the show, where we see items appear out of thin air, allowed another form of art to enter the stage. As flowers were pulled from behind a piece of cloth, the crowd ‘ooh-ed’. Taking advantage of El Gallo’s character and his ability to perform tricks, a reflection of his deceitful nature, this production of The Fantasticks strives to create a new edge to an already familiar story. Similarly, one of the most memorable aspects of this show is “The Mute,” a nameless woman acting like a stagehand throughout the entire show. Her presence is that of an audience member, staring directly at us in times of helplessness, reflecting the pain of onlookers.

By the end of the first act, a sense of weariness crept in. The second act made up for the missing piece I searched for throughout the first act. Its change in the plot line and setting allowed for a break from the dreamlike ambiance of the beginning. As the story's tone changed, the toe-tapping, stick-in-your-head love songs turned to what the real world would feel like to someone young and naive.

In particular sequences, the dizzying bright lights and spectacular vocals draw the crowd in, but the cacophony of sounds turns to a sour tune as the musical enters its second act. In “Round and Round,” Luisa’s high-pitched trills turn to a siren's call, noting the happiness and aspirations she once had dissipating because of the dangers of the real world. During this segment, lights flash all over the stage, reflecting the disorganization within Luisa's decisions. She’s swayed by her ‘love’ for El Gallo and seemingly forgets what matters to her. When Luisa looks through her literal ‘rose-colored glasses’, she turns into a vain, arrogant individual who can’t see beyond what she wishes to. During these moments, the lights on the stage dim and calm down.

In essence, The Fantasticks creates a world that everyone has once experienced. The age-old story of wanting to rebel against your parents and prove them wrong, only to realize they do have the best in mind for you is communicated through a cast that wants you to feel right at home in the theater. Whether it's identifying with the idealistic, childish dreams of Matt and Luisa, the conflicting ideals of El Gallo, or the loving nature of the parents, one can resonate with any character within the story.

At the end of the show, a potted plant sits in the center of the stage with nothing in it. The lights dim and one beam stands alone, pointed right at the pot. Now magically with a flower inside it. A simple moment, standing as a testament to how love can endure any circumstance. Similarly, The Fantasticks proves their story can stand the test of time. Walking out with a stomach full of whimsy and joy, audiences are sure to enjoy a truly fantastical coming-of-age fairytale.

Lead Photo: Photo courtesy of Auston James

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