The Fantasticks continues on road to Hanover Theater

As the end of the spring semester draws closer, the cast and crew of this year's musical, The Fantasticks, anxiously wait for the last weekend of April. After memorizing their lines, songs and dance routines, the tight-knit group prepares for the next three weeks of rehearsals, perfecting every detail of their performance. "You really have to mean it. It has to be real," said Sarah Wyman, the talented junior who landed the lead role of 16-year-old Luisa in The Fantasticks. "This show is a lot more intense than others I've been in. For Luisa, I plan on staying true to the script and bringing this bubbly girl to life on the stage. It takes a lot of work to stay in character because she is so romantic and energetic."

Wyman, like many others in the production, is no stranger to the Assumption College stage. Jill Martucci, an Assumption sophomore, is also familiar with the college's productions. Last year, Martucci took on the character of the Witch in Into the Woods. This year, she is playing Luisa's mother, Mama Bellony. "I feel as though the "Broadway" feeling truly permeates everything we do - we are holding ourselves to a higher standard," said Martucci. "I expect that we will have a truly amazing production to show the Worcester community. Our cast and crew are extremely talented and dedicated, so I have complete faith in our ability to 'wow' the audiences night after night."

But not everyone in the cast has performed at Assumption before. Sophomore Mark Featherstone will debut as male lead, Matt, in the upcoming show. His previous theatrical career involved high school productions, including the leading role of Tony in West Side Story. "It's so different than high school musicals," said Featherstone. "I'm so much more into it now and it has become a really important part of my semester. I'm excited to challenge myself by trying to reach an audience that will be much bigger than any that I have performed for."

Although Wyman and Featherstone have never worked together musically or theatrically before, their chemistry together is undeniable to anyone who sees the two rehearse. Singing in perfect harmony for songs such as "They Were You" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," the pair's voices are powerful and passionate, full with true emotion that will move even the hardest of hearts to tears.

Director Brian Tivnan, along with Music Director Fred Frabotta and Choreographer Jen Agbay, worked closely with the small cast multiple days a week. Assistant Director and Assumption graduate, Mark Blessington and Assistant Music Director, freshman Dan Han, also take on important roles to make the show a success. "We really want to refine the show; make it sincere and real for the audience," said Han. "We want to give them more than they ever expect." Blessington agreed, "It's come a long way since the beginning."

The musical itself has also come a long way since its debut opening at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York on May 3, 1960. Now the oldest running musical in the world, The Fantasticks ran for 17,162 performances over 42 years until closing in January, 2002. A beautiful love story, The Fantasticks offers the audience an array of beautiful ballads, simple scenery, mutes who never leave the stage, swordfights, a bit of comedy and an overall portrayal of the power of love. With a set of colorful characters and stagehands, the show will captivate any audience and take them on an unforgettable journey.

Although the musically-gifted group is small, the cast of The Fantasticks works hard with one another in order to put on the best performance possible. Other members of the cast include: Jon Bishop, Mike O'Connor, Chris Kelley, Mark Coutu, Melissa Nally, Jacki Carlson and Dan Meunier. Brian Tivnan will also appear in the show was the mysterious character, El Gallo. With a cast this talented, The Fantasticks is sure to be spectacular and unlike anything the Assumption College community has ever seen.

Tickets are on sale now and over 650 have already been sold. Performances will be held in Worcester's famous Hanover Theater on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m.. and 7:00 p.m.. and Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. AC students who wish to purchase tickets should contact Jacque Chlapowski at jchlapowski@assumption.edu or at extension 7410. For questions and more information, please e-mail Brian Tivnan (btivnan@assumption.edu).