"The Fantasticks" musical opens April 19
William Carey University will present the musical “The Fantasticks” on April 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and April 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre. The production is a collaboration of the theater and music departments and is a fully staged project entirely realized by Carey students.
“The Fantasticks” was created by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. A narrator, El Gallo (David Kanga), tells the story of Matt (Bailey Anderson) and Luisa (Molly Jarvis) who fall in love. Matt’s mother Mrs. Hucklebee (Liberty Sites) and Luisa’s mother Mrs. Bellomy (Hannah Lollis) have widely differing opinions about love, but are actually good friends. They plan to have Luisa kidnapped so that Matt can appear heroic in saving her. They hire an old actor Henry Albertson (Shelby Sheffield) and his sidekick Mortimer (Nadia Trinanes) and, with El Gallo, kidnap the young lady. The truth about the fake kidnapping comes to light and everyone, including the lovers, argues. While Matt is traveling with Henry and Mortimer, Luisa eventually asks El Gallo to take her away. The lovers’ futures are at stake as they try to find a way back to each other. The Mute (Nathan Wilkins) represents the wall between the families. Songs include the iconic “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” and “They Were You.”
The musical is directed by Clare Kelly, a senior double majoring in theatre and music. She also choreographed and designed makeup and hair. The musical director is senior music major Nick Joslin. The set designer is Chace Giadrosich, a sophomore theatre major, and the lighting designer is Nadia Trinanes, a senior theatre major. Sound designer is Lyujohn Williams, a music major, and the stage manager is Luke Hannah of Richland. Harpist is Marcie Hall. The students are mentored by chair of the theatre and communication department Keone Fuqua, and technical director Dewey Douglas of the theatre faculty who designed costumes and is properties master.
The students of the Department of Theatre and Communication and the Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies dedicate the performances to the late Dr. Don Odom, chair of the Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies, who passed away in 2017.
Call 601-318-6218 for reservations beginning April 16. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 until 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission; $8 for senior citizens and military; and $5 for students.