THE FANTASTICKS - the original fringe musical (1959)

Despite their best efforts, the good folks of Good People Theater Company are unable to recreate the magic they achieved with their 2013 fringe hit, A Man of No Importance, in their current revival of The Fantasticks. Contributing to the lackluster production are pacing issues and actors without the singing ability, stage presence, or emotional depth to effectively handle the demands of the roles. The exposed nature of comedy makes it even more difficult to pull off than drama and so much more obvious when it isn’t working. In the absence of real passion, poignancy and an understanding of how to blend the bitter with the sweet - which is what makes this Schmidt & Jones classic so satisfying - it left me feeling restless. Even the mor... full review

I always enjoy this show, the writing and the music never gets old. This lovely production featured a harp, which adds its own magic. Joey D'Auria and Corky Loupé are standouts as The Old Actor and The Man Who Dies -- the best I have seen in those roles including 3 NY casts over 30 years, including 2 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse where the show ran for 42 years. Special congrats to Audrey Curd for enduring a Preview Night act-long wardrobe malfunction that didn't dim her nuanced performance a bit. Most actresses would have fallen apart. I'll see it again before the Fringe ends, I'm that kind of sad addict.... full review

THE FANTASTICKS was a great way for me to start my 2014 Fringe adventure! A wonderful show with great actors and great directing. The actors were strong enough without a mike to be heard and they all had great chemistry. The mute was a joy to watch as she silently helped actors getting dressed and as she set the mood for each scene. Mortimer and Henry played their roles with such ease and joy, that they could put on their own two-person show and I would go see it. I sat front row next to the harp, which was gentle enough to hear all the actors and it was a great experience for me to watch the harp player rock out to some of the tunes. :-) Get your tickets and catch this show by the Good People Theater Company! It will be worth your time... full review

Janet Miller has magnificently directed a show close to the hearts of many of us. The music is divine, enhanced with the addition of a lovely harp, played by Jillian Risigari-Gai. I have never seen the show done with a harp before and it makes a wonderful addition to so many scenes, often adding magic to the sweep of a hand in the air. It's no wonder that the original production included a harp! All of the actors bring a sense of wonder and joy to their roles, with tall, dark and handsome Christopher Karbo cutting a dashing figure as El Gallo, especially the way he can handle a red satin cape. The two fathers are a riot, and their choreography is light and cute at every turn. Although at times it was difficult to hear Luisa and Matt's wor... full review

I really enjoyed the FANTASTICKS opening night…such a beautiful piece! My favorite performances are Corey Hirsch (MD) , the harp player, and the wonderful "Old Actor", Joey D'Auria….who all are wondrous in their abilities. ... full review

Whatta fun show! "Do you remember . . ."? Yes, of course - and this is a wonderful revival of those fond memories - of simple stories and joyful performances. The production makes efficient use of the small stage and the actors pull it off in fine form. Enjoyed it tremendously!!... full review

Fabulous way to spend a few hours of one's life. You've got love, youth, dreams, schemes and did I mention a harp? Two instruments that managed to fill up your heart and head. Cast was wonderful. Sadness, a bit, but much, much more joy and laughter. (They even managed to throw in 'Benghazi', but not like in the Sunday talk/news shows.) I urge everyone to attend, not just because it enriches your soul and revives your imagination but also to show support for live theatre in LA. Go on, be a "Fringer"! (you know you want to!) ... full review

Janet Miller is a very gifted visionary. She crowds the future and interprets established standards like Fantastics. She surrounds herself with talent onstage and in her gifted production team. Great vision, great execution, lovely theatre. Her delicate touch let's lovers be gentle and clowns rollick. And rollick the clowns do! It's delightful theatre with encyclopedic application of theatricality! Funny, touching.....timeless. GO! -TomAllard ... full review

As a young theatrical advocate, it is best to put right out of the gate that The Fantasticks was truly an enjoyable experience all around for me. Not only was the cast strong all-around, but the production team's talent was extremely evident as well. This show, which I have been longing to see for a few years now, has greatly fascinated me, and the members of Good People Theater Company exceeded my expectations. This is because it is a simple story that is kept simple, yet all-the-while intriguing. The Fantasticks tells the story of a boy and a girl, whose parents pose a feud of epic proportion with one another (and whose real intentions are to have their respective son and daughter married to one another). The "Original Fringe Musical" crea... full review

Absolutely delightful production of an absolutely charming show! Beautifully done and beautifully directed. It was truly a magic evening!... full review