I hope that little snippet of lyric took a few of you back in your memory to one of the most charming of shows, The Fantasticks! I love The Fantasticks. I really do. And I have never seen it on Broadway, in fact I have never seen a live performance. (Why is that?) I do own the movie on DVD that was made a few years ago, celebrating the longest-running Musical in New York City, working on 50 years right now and certain to be around much longer.
Why? How can a little simplistic show with only a handful of characters and minimalist set keep drawing people in, night after night, year after year?
Its message is universal and it offers something for all ages to identify with. While at face value it appears pretty straight forward and basic, beneath the surface it offers a richness of philosophy, and its greatest calling card, I think, is an unforgettable score. The music is entrancing, hummable, simply beautiful, and in some ways even haunting. The songs of The Fantasticks have become a part of me. They often replay in my head, lifting me with hope, allowing me to wallow in sadness sometimes, and helping me to remember that through trials come strength of character and strength of love.
It employs a common device. The end of Act One appears to be the "perfect ending". We could all go home then thinking, 'Wasn't that nice? I love happy endings.' Of course, as in life, the 'happily ever after' is usually premature. The real struggle comes with a few doses of reality. Things aren't always as bright and shiny as we hope. Tarnished by challenge, the real beauty of life eventually surfaces.
For those not familiar with this show, find a way to acquaint yourselves. For those that already love it, I hope this little reminder will help you to hum a new song today, one that you haven't thought of in awhile. Try to Remember...
6 comments:
I'll have to acquaint myself with this show, you've peaked my interest.
I have never seen or heard of this play....thanks for the fabulous introduction!
Ditto. Never heard of it but quite intrigued! :-)
I have never heard of this until now. And just like my fellow commenters, I too will have to acquaint myself to it.
Thanks for suggesting a musical I have never seen or heard of. Which version do you own? I got on Amazon to buy one and read mixed reviews. Recommendations?
Maili, I have the 1995 version with Joel Grey. The reason there might be mixed reviews is because the purists that saw it on stage in its most bare form have a hard time letting it go to a more fleshed out, less imaginative, film version. It is still great and the music is the star. I believe you will recognize several of the songs, especially Try to Remember which is the most well-known. Enjoy!
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