THE FANTASTICKS, Starring Martin Crewes, Travels to Sydney This January

What is the world's longest-running musical theatre production? CATS? THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA? CHICAGO? THE LION KING? No, it's a boutique musical with a poetic book and a breezy, inventive score which has been performed all around the globe -- THE FANTASTICKS. The show's original off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years and 17,162 performances, making it the world's longest-running musical.

Whimsical, poignant and romantic, THE FANTASTICKS focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love.

In a theatrical and inventive fashion, the gallant and enigmatic narrator -- El Gallo -- introduces a pair of young lovers -- Matt and Luisa -- who experience the magical, moonlit phase of falling in love. For a time, romance seems perpetually exciting, and heroics always seem to save the day. El Gallo leads our young protagonists from the romantic moonlight into the harsh sunshine, where the weaknesses in their relationship are exposed and the reality of the struggles and heartache love brings is revealed. With the understanding that "without a hurt the heart is hollow", Matt and Luisa search to find their own identities, and in turn, to discover their strengths as a couple in times of both darkness and light.

Critically acclaimed Wooden Horse Productions (LOVEBiTES) again joins Hayes Theatre Co to bring an exciting new interpretation by director Helen Dallimore (HIGH SOCIETY), featuring an exquisite cast led by Martin Crewes, to Sydney.

Crewes (pictured, right) returns to the Hayes Theatre Co stage for the first time since his Helpmann Award nominated performance in SWEET CHARITY, and performs alongside Laurence Coy (HIGH SOCIETY, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE), Garry Scale (HAIRSPRAY, THE BOY FROM OZ) and recent graduates Bobbie-Jean Henning (WAAPA) and Jonathan Hickey (Qld Conservatorium).

With hit songs such as "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain", it's no wonder THE FANTASTICKS is the longest-running musical in history.

IF YOU GO:

THE FANTASTICKS

Music by Harvey Schmidt, Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones

Director - Helen Dallimore

Musical Directors- Glenn Moorhouse and Hayden Barltrop

Production Designer - Hugh O'Connor

Lighting Designer - Christopher Page

Producer - Jai Higgs

Executive Producer - Troy Alexander

Produced by Wooden Horse Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co

Cast includes Laurence Coy, Martin Crewes, Bobbie-Jean Henning, Jonathan Hickey, Garry Scale

SEASON DETAILS:

Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point

Season: 11-31 January 2016 (opening night Wednesday 13 January)

Performance Times: Tue - Sat at 7.30pm, Wed* + Sat 2pm and Sun 5pm

*No matinee performance on Wednesday 13 Jan

Prices: Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun matinees $55/ $49 concession;

Fri & Sat evening $59/ $54 concession; Previews $49/ $45 concession

Bookings: hayestheatre.com.au or (02) 8065 7337

Hayes Theatre Co is a dedicated music theatre and cabaret venue in Potts Point. Named for Australian musical theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM, Hayes Theatre Co honours and builds on the vast history of Australian Musical Theatre and its practitioners. This not-for-profit venue is managed by Independent Music Theatre, a collaborative partnership focusing on providing a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret. By providing venue space to newly mounted productions, Hayes Theatre Co, is a presenting partner together with independent producers and artists.

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