The Arts
The Fantasticks Comes to the Little Theater
The longest running musical in the history of Broadway will be performed in Walla Walla in April and May.
"The Fantasticks" is the story of two fathers who start a mock feud and build a wall between their houses in order to entice their children to fall in love. At first the plan works, but after the children fall in love, they discover the deception and then fall out of love. You'll have to see the play to find out what happens after that.
"The Fantasticks" opened on Broadway in 1960 and closed in 2002, ending a run that was the longest for a musical in Broadway's history.
The final production of the Little Theater's 2008 / 2009 season, "The Fantasticks" is directed by Jean Weber of Walla Walla. Weber has been actively involved in the Little Theater since moving to Walla Walla in 1982. "I've taught English and drama my entire career, and have always been active in theater," she says. A New Jersey native, Weber and her husband, Gerry, lived in New Zealand for six years before coming to Walla Walla. In 2004 Weber retired from teaching at Walla Walla Community College.
Weber has directed several past Little Theater productions, including the musicals "Ball Room", "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Man of La Mancha". She has been a member of the theater's board of directors and has helped out as a producer, set designer and stage manager on many past productions.
The Little Theater was founded in 1944. Its first production was called "Yes, My Darling Daughter", performed in a room on Walla Walla's Main Street, above the current Merchant's Café. In 1948, the theater group purchased its current home, the former World War Veteran's Memorial Building. The theater seats approximately 200. At least two productions have been presented at the theater each year since. 2008/2009 marks the Little Theater's 64th consecutive season of productions.
The Little Theater of Walla Walla's motto is "Good Plays, Done Well". "The Fantasticks" promises to be another in a long tradition of performances living up to that motto.
Presented by The Little Theater of Walla Walla
April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 3 (matinee), 8, 9, 15 and 16
By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
Directed by Jean Weber
Musical Director, Linda Howell
Assistant Director, Gloria Schille
Choreographer, Hayley Benitez
Fight Choreographer, Brian Sheridan
Produced by Marion Inglis and Marilyn Washabaugh
Cast:
El Gallo - Stephen Trego
Luisa - Shauna Fletcher
Matt - Kit Crawford
Hucklebee - Brian Hatley
Bellomy - Robert Randall
Henry - Todd Oleson
Mortimer - Gerry Weber
The Mute - Jessica Barkl
Handyman -
Shane Wood
Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children
Curtain - 8:00 p.m.
Matinee - 2:00 p.m.
Little Theater of Walla Walla
1130 E. Sumach, Walla Walla
(509) 529-3683
www.ltww.org