Try to Remember to see The Fantasticks!

After my recent post of New York memories, in which I fondly recalled seeing The Fantasticks at the old Sullivan Street Playhouse in 1995 and lamenting the closing of that show in 2002 after a run of 42 years, someone special sent me an email containing marvelous news. It's so cool that I'm not going to attempt to paraphrase it and am instead posting the message below:

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Dear Lydia,

Thank you so much for posting about The Fantasticks on your blog. I'm glad the original production at the Sullivan Street Playhouse moved you to tears. It's a testament to the enduring beauty of the longest-running musical in the world.

I'm writing to let you know that The Fantasticks did not stay closed for long. Four years after it closed on Sullivan Street, it officially re-opened in the heart of Times Square at the brand new Jerry Orbach Theater (named after the actor whose career began as El Gallo in the original Sullivan Street company). Tom Jones, who wrote the lyrics and book, also directed this production, and for a while appeared in it as Henry, the Old Actor.

I wanted to let you know that The Fantasticks is indeed alive and well. Perhaps best of all, the Orbach Theater was built to mimic the Sullivan Street Playhouse in terms of design, so this production is just as intimate as the original. There are still stories of folks weeping in the front row during Try to Remember, Soon It's Gonna Rain, They Were You and all the other memorable songs.

Hopefully you'll find this information helpful, and might even devote another blog post to the current revival of The Fantasticks. If you'd like to do so, let me know and I'll send you a production photo from the current cast. Of course, if you're ever back in New York, please stop in and say hello to The Fantasticks.

Many thanks for your post,

John

John Capo
Publicist
DBS Press | 1627 Broadway | New York, NY 10019

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Well. It didn't take me long to respond, asking for the photos and seeking permission to include his message in my blog post. John sent all that in another email explaining these Fantasticks photos by Joan Marcus. They feature the "Happy Ending" sequence and a scene from "Soon It's Gonna Rain." And he wished Mike and me a happy anniversary, which really tied together our New York memories and our 13th anniversary beautifully.

After my initial post Honour left a comment that it had given her wonderful ideas for her upcoming trip to NYC. I sure hope you read this post, too, Honour because a visit to the Jerry Orbach Theater to enjoy The Fantasticks can now be added to your list! Lucky you.

Here's a beautiful video featuring the late Jerry Orbach singing Try to Remember. (I will.)

The video I originally posted was of Jerry Orbach singing at the Reagan White House, but it was removed. I'm replacing the emptiness with this:

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