Local Talent in THE FANTASTICKS Experience the Longest Running Musical in the World!

With New York's recent closure of the longest running musical in the world, Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) imagines this classic tale by bringing it to audiences in Portland, Oregon. The Fantasticks, written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, is as much about a love affair as it is a nod to the magic of theater itself.

The production opens Thursday, August 10th at 7:30pm and continues Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm through August 20th. Tickets start at $15, with group rates available and can be purchased at www.metropaa.org or by calling 360-975-1585. Performances will be at The Sanctuary at Sandy Plaza (in conjunction with Triangle Productions!) located at 1785 NE Sandy Blvd Portland 97232.

"The Fantasticks is one of the greatest pieces of theatre ever written. It is beautiful and charming in a way that has to be experienced to be understood. I encourage you to give yourself the experience."- Paul Angelo, director

The Fantasticks is a mock version of Romeo and Juliet. Two scheming fathers conspire with the mysterious El Gallo to keep their daughter and son apart. To boy and girl fall in love and venture into the real world. As their fantasy turns to reality, El Gallo is there to remind them that "without hurt, the heart is hollow". Along the way is an assortment of odd characters, including an old actor, and Indian named Mortimor and a mute.

Appearing in The Fantasticks is Isaiah Rosales, Jessica Caldwell, Pip Kennedy, Doug Zimmerman, Sean Kelly, John Mathews, Tristan James and Natalie Stromberg. MPA is delighted to welcome Paul Angelo as director (recipient of the 2017 PAMTA's award for "outstanding direction"), Valery Saul as music director and Shannon Jung as choreographer.

Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) is a Vancouver based non-profit academy and community theater that offers professional, technique driven classes in acting, dance, music and tech. Their mission is to enrich the community by providing performance and educational opportunities in the live arts. For more information, visit www.metropaa.org.