A romantic musical filled with plot twists and turns, The Fantasticks is an alleogorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through life. 

With music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones, this timeless fable about love, innocence, change, and loss has been delighting audiences since its off-Broadway premiere in 1960, and will be showing from January 18 – February 11 at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall.

Drawing inspiration from Edmond Rostand’s Les Romanesques and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and complete with famous songs such as “Try to Remember” and “Much More”, The Fantasticks tells the story of Matt and Luisa who fall in love despite their respective feuding fathers. Schemes are hatched and complications arise as the audience questions if true love really conquers all.

Bryce Alexander, CEO and Executive Artistic Director at TNP, will be returning to the Director’s chair for The Fantasticks. Alexander views this story as, “a transformative, well-rounded, impactful, and emotional journey about love and loss that is, in many ways, unrepresented in other modern musical productions.”

Director Bryce Alexander is joined by the following team of industry professionals: choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara, music director Sean Effinger-Dean, scenic designer Michael Santos, lighting designer Chris Riley, sound designer Bradley Van Houten, costume designer Mollie Berman, properties director Amy Hughes, stage manager Sarah Gamblin, and assistant stage managers Kelsey Coss and Hannah Klein. 

The Fantasticks stars LORELAI VEGA as Luisa, ALEX MINARIK as Matt, and SYDNEY MIXON as El Gallo.

They are joined by a local all-star cast including: BRAXTON CABRERA, JIM CORSICA, SCOTT DAVIS, CAROLINA GRAU, GIA PROVINZINO, and ROSEANN RUGGIERO.

Due to overwhelming demand, The Fantasticks was extended by two additional weeks. From January 18 – February 11, 2024, performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm. The Fantasticks will be performed offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in Beverly Hall while The Naples Players’ historic 5th Ave S building undergoes a $20 million renovation. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are offered a price of $39. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.