Moses Replaces Moye as The Fantasticks' El Gallo

The producers of the revival of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's The Fantasticks announced today that Burke Moses, who created the role of Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, will assume the role of El Gallo from James Moye. 

"The director identified the need to move the role in a different artistic direction. Moye agreed, believing that this decision best serves the artistic needs of the show and himself," according to press notes.

"James Moye is a gifted actor who was a great asset to our company," said Richard Frankel, one of the producers.  "We are delighted that Burke Moses  is able to join our cast."

Burke Moses will begin performances in The Fantasticks on Friday, August 4.

The Fantasticks, the world's longest-running book musical, began preview performances on Saturday July 29, 2006 and opens on Wednesday August 16,  2006 at New York's brand new Snapple Theater Center (210 West 50th Street at Broadway).

Moses joins the previously announced cast of The Fantasticks: Thomas Bruce as Henry, Leo Burmester as Hucklebee, Robert R. Oliver as Mortimer (temporarily subbing for a recuperating MacIntyre Dixon), Santino Fontana as Matt, Sara Jean Ford as Luisa, Douglas Ullman, Jr. as The Mute and Martin Vidnovic as Bellomy.

Moses created the role of Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (also in Los Angeles and London).  Other Broadway credits include Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate; Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls; and Herakles in Stephen Sondheim's The Frogs. He sang at the City Opera in Most Happy Fella, performed many times in the Encores! series, and has worked extensively in regional theaters, on tour, in concert, and on television.

The Fantasticks is produced by Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel  and Thomas Viertel.

The playing schedule for The Fantasticks is as follows: Monday at 8:30pm, Wednesday at 2:30pm, Thursday and Friday at 8:30pm, Saturday at 2:30pm and 8:30pm and Sunday at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.  Please note,  there will be no Wednesday matinee on August 16.  Tickets are $75, and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com at (212) 307-4100.

For more information, please visit www.fantasticksonstage.com.