The Fantasticks 1960

Ages: 5+
Opened: May 3, 1960
Closing: January 13, 2002

The Fantasticks - 1960 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Sullivan Street Playhouse
181 Sullivan Street New York, NY 10012

Based on the play Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand

Nevada Conservatory Theatre presents the classic musical, The Fantasticks, featuring music by Harvey Schmidt, with lyrics by Tom Jones.



Two neighboring fathers put up a wall between their houses to ensure that their children fall in love, because they know children always do what their parents forbid. After the children do fall in love, they discover their fathers' plot and they each go off and experience things in the world. They return to each other and the love they had, having learned from the world.

The Fantasticks - 1960 - Off-Broadway Cast

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Video: Get A First Look At Bergen County Players THE FANTASTICKS
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2024


See sneak peek photos of Bergen County Players' production of THE FANTASTICKS, running until April 6.

Bergen County Players to Present THE FANTASTICKS in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2024


Bergen County Players will continue its 92nd season with the longest-running musical classic, The Fantasticks. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Tri-Cities Opera Brings 2022 Inclusive Revision of THE FANTASTICKS to the Stage
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 4, 2024


Tri-Cities Opera will bring the revival of a beloved love story to the Tri-Cities Opera Center this February. Audiences are invited to join one of THREE upcoming performances of The Fantasticks. Learn more here!

Previews: THE FANTASTICKS at CVRep
by Kay Kudukis - Oct 17, 2023


What happens when a much-loved play or musical is reimagined? If you set Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the 1950s, does that mean it has been reimagined? Could you set My Fair Lady during the Depression and consider that reimagined? The musical Cabaret has lended itself to various interpretations that differ from the original production, even if the script hasn’t been altered at all. And recently, with the permission of Stephen Sondheim, a production of his musical Company changed the lead’s gender from Bobby to Bobbie, allowing a woman to play the role for the first time.

Broadway Lyricist and Librettist Tom Jones Has Passed Away
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 12, 2023


Tom Jones, best known for his work as the librettist and lyricist of The Fantasticks, has passed away. He was 95.

ASMAC to Present Broadway Overtures �" Examples & Discussion with Larry Blank and Jonathan Tunick
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2023


American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers will present Broadway Overtures — Examples & Discussion with Larry Blank and Jonathan Tunick.

Previews: THE FANTASTICKS at Provincetown Theater
by Michael Rabice - Jul 5, 2023


The Provincetown Theater will be presenting their production of the longest running musical in theatre history. THE FANTASTICKS will take to the stage as the company presents an updated re-imagined version of the classic love story, written and updated by the original author, Tom Jones.

Review: A Tribute To “Luisa” By The Friends Of THE FANTASTICKS' First Girl In 54 CELEBRATES RITA GARDNER at 54 Below
by Bobby Patrick - May 5, 2023


Rita Gardner was not only a part of THE FANTASTICKS' history, she is one of the reasons it became historic in the first place.

Yazbeck & Della Penna's DEAD OUTLAW, LANGSTON IN HARLEM, and More to Play 54 Below in May
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 29, 2023


Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret, honor the music of Broadway, and provide an unparalleled experience to diverse communities.

The Musical CELEBRATION Will Be Staged For Three Performances At Lakewood Theatre Company April 14-15
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 29, 2023


Lakewood Theatre Company presents the musical Celebration as part of its Lost Treasures Collection Series for three performances, April 14 & 15, 2023.

Rita Gardner, Original Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Passes Away at 87
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 25, 2022


Rita Gardner, who starred as Luisa in the original Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks, has passed away at the age of 87 from leukemia, according to friend and collegue Alex Rybeck.

Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Powerhouse Performing Arts Center
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Sep 17, 2022


What did our critic think of THE FANTASTICKS at Powerhouse Performing Arts Center?

Previews: THE FANTASTICKS at The Cape Playhouse
by Kristen Morale - Sep 3, 2022


The Cape Playhouse, the country’s longest running professional summer theater, will end its exciting 2022 summer season with its upcoming production of 'The Fantasticks'. What better way to round out a fantastic repertoire of shows, and who better than the Playhouse to bring the longest running musical in world history to a Cape Cod stage? Undoubted to leave as lasting an impression on Cape audiences, 'The Fantasticks' is set to run from September 7th -17th at the iconic Dennis, MA theater.

BrightSide Theatre to Present SHE LOVES ME in October
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 27, 2022


BrightSide Theatre Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak have announced that they will begin their 10th season with She Loves Me, running from October 14 through 30th. 

THE FANTASTICKS Comes to City Theatre Austin Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Aug 2, 2022


To end the summer “Back in Show Business” season, City Theatre Austin is honored to present the musical classic, The Fantasticks. It is a show years in the making and the company's first full-length musical production since their 2018 mega-hit sensation Tommy. The curtains rises September 2 – 18 at Trinity Street Playhouse located at the First Baptist Church of Austin.

Citadel Theatre Releases Four-Show 2022-23 Season
by Grace Cutler - Jul 23, 2022


Citadel Theatre Company recently announced its 2022/2023 season, featuring an Obie Award winner and three comedies –one of them a beloved musical.

Broadway Jukebox: Musicals of the 1960s
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 26, 2022


Enjoy songs from musicals like: Funny Girl, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, Camelot, 1776, Oliver!, She Loves Me, The Fantasticks, Sweet Charity, Mame, and more!

BWW Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Orlando Shakes
by Joseph Harrison - Feb 7, 2022


It’s hard to imagine a musical theatre world without the iconic, simple but lovely, musical THE FANTASTICKS. Opening at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in 1960 and playing a record breaking 42 years (making it the “world’s longest running musical”), Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s “little musical that could” has touched hearts and audiences for the last 62 years. It has evolved and changed over that time (more on that in a minute) but has never lost its core appeal – a beautiful, poetic, and highly theatrical tale of the power and depth of love – gained, lost and found again. Adding to the rich history of THE FANTASTICKS is the latest production of the musical at Orlando Shakes – one which delights, warms the heart and reminds us why it’s good to “Try to Remember” every so often.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre's THE FANTASTICKS Announces Venue Change
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2021


The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will conclude its 2021 “Rep Outdoors” Series with The Fantasticks in Concert. Due to forecasted weather between Thursday and Sunday, the event scheduled for 5 P.M. at Murray Park will now be performed at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre at 2 P.M. and again at 6 P.M. 

EGOT Winner Jonathan Tunick to be Honored at Sharon Playhouse's THE SOUND OF BROADWAY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2021


On Saturday, October 2nd, the Sharon Playhouse will present a star-studded and glittering salute to EGOT recipient and Broadway’s Uber Maestro, the great Jonathan Tunick. The evening is conceived and directed by Alan M-L Wager and supported by a 27-piece orchestra with appearances by Broadway Guest Stars and Broadway Special Guests.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre to Conclude 2021 'Rep Outdoors' Series with THE FANTASTICKS in Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 20, 2021


The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will conclude its 2021 “Rep Outdoors” Series with The Fantasticks in Concert. The event, which is a one-night-only concert staging of the classic musical, will be performed live in Murray Park on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

BWW Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Theatre Three
by Melissa Giordano - Jul 23, 2021


It may seem a production of the classic musical The Fantasticks can be found anywhere. However, when you have a cast as wonderful as those in Theatre Three’s incarnation, masterfully directed by Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel, you must check it out again. Running through August 15th at the beautiful Port Jefferson venue, this is the world’s longest running musical.

UN DÍA COMO HOY: CHICAGO se estrenaba en Broadway en 1975
by Nuria Pedret - Jun 3, 2021


La obra de teatro de Kander & Ebb, dirigida por Bob Fosse vio la luz el 3 de junio de 1975 en el 46th Street Theatre.

Broadway Jukebox: The Greatest Musicals of the 1960s
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2021


Enjoy songs from musicals like: Funny Girl, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, Camelot, 1776, Oliver!, She Loves Me, The Fantasticks, Sweet Charity, Mame, and more!

BWW Interview: Carole Demas of SONGS FROM THE HEART by Live From Skylight Run
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 3, 2021


Carole Demas has had a varied career with a plethora of parts... but one role is still special to her, and she will be remembering that role when her new show debuts on February 5th.

The Fantasticks FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Fantasticks have there been?
The Fantasticks has had 11 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1960, Off-Broadway which opened in 1960, West End which opened in 1961, Regional (US) which opened in 1961, Regional (US) which opened in 1965, Regional (US) which opened in 1971, Canada which opened in 1971, Regional (US) which opened in 1971, Regional (US) which opened in 1972, Off-Broadway which opened in 2006 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2006.
What awards has The Fantasticks been nominated for?
The Fantasticks has been nominated for the Citation of Excellence at the Drama Desk Awards for Harvey Schmidt.
What awards has The Fantasticks won?
The Fantasticks has won the Citation of Excellence at the Drama Desk Awards for Harvey Schmidt.

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