By Meghan Ennes

Following a hiatus after its 42-year run at the Sullivan Street Theatre in New York, The Fantasticks is back! The Assumption Theatre Department will be putting on the classic production at the Hanover Theatre for one weekend only, April 24-26. Since it first ran in 1960, the romantic story of The Fantasticks has captured the hearts of over a million audiences worldwide. “It’s Romeo and Juliet with a twist,” says Director Brian Tivnan, “and the twist is that it’s not a tragedy.”

It’s a story about “The Boy,” Matt, and “The Girl,” Luisa, who fall in love merely because their parents forbid it. Like many young couples, the lovebirds are so completely head-over-heels for each other that they don’t see reality. In turn, The Boy and The Girl’s parents hire the mysterious El Gallo, played by Tivnan, to lift the rose-colored glass and allow the young couples’ love to mature – just so their story doesn’t end like a Shakespearian tragedy. The Boy and The Girl also encounter an interesting set of characters along their journey, including The Old Actor, The Man Who Dies, and the Mutes, who silently propel the show forward.

The Fantasticks’ simple story of love and lost innocence is supported by a memorable soundtrack: from the poignant “Try to Remember” to the heartwarming “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” music takes center stage in this performance, as there is very little dancing at all. The show has been described as a fairy-tale, almost imaginary, and traditionally tends to be quite minimalist. Yet, for the sizeable Hanover theatre – which can hold an audience of 2300 – Assumption has plans for an elaborate set which much resembles a Greek temple. The production will depart from the traditional 1950s era vaudevillian style of The Fantasticks, and the overall appearance of will be more Romantic and over-the-top, much like the love of The Boy and The Girl. Costuming will be just as elegant, reflecting the posh fashions of the early Twentieth century.

Although the Assumption Theater department is small, the production is certainly not short on talent. Chris Kelly, who plays The Boy’s Father, has been involved in theatre both in New York and in Boston, and has worked as Technical Director for the Blue Man Group. Sophomore Mark Featherstone has a completely different story: last year, he entered Tivnan’s office with another student and ~ on a whim ~ Tivnan asked him to sing. Apparently, he could, because when casting The Fantasticks, the director turned to Featherstone to play The Boy. “He really turned out to be a diamond in the rough,” comments Tivnan. Also contributing to the stellar cast is classically-trained singer Sarah Wyman, who reportedly has a voice to be reckoned with, and magician Dan Meunier, who will perform magic tricks as one of the Mutes.

On top of that, The Fantasticks at the Hanover Theatre will be a Red Carpet event! For the opening night reception, audience members are encouraged to dress up in their finest and be photographed and interviewed like stars. Still, tickets are just $15 general admission, $10 students and seniors, and kids under 12 get in for free.

For ticketing and more information, visit thehanovertheatre.org/shows