The Fantasticks

Dates: September 7 – 17 

Style: Musical | Drama
Run Time: 2 Hours and 15 minutes with one intermission
Ages: Appropriate for All Ages
(There is no official rating system for live theatre. We invite you to use your own judgment.)

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Music by Harvey Schmidt
Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones

Show Summary

Try to remember the kind of September when love was an ember about to billow…

The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo’s words that, “without a hurt, the heart is hollow.” The story is based on a play called “Les Romanesques,” by Edmond Rostand – Author of Cyrano de Bergerac. The Fantasticks’ original off-Broadway run lasted 42 years and ran for a total of 17,162 performances.

The Fantasticks is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

William Thomas Evans
'The Boy's Father (Hucklebee)'


William comes to the Playhouse directly from playing Father Morse in Desperate Measures up in VT at Saint Michael’s Playhouse. He started his own Santa business, merrymessagefromsanta.com, during Covid, after playing Max Prince in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Mr Mushnik in Little Shop, and Papa/Sims in The Nether. He spent 2 years in Las Vegas, starring in BAZ Star Crossed Love at The Palazzo Theater. He appeared off Broadway in the hit Desperate Measures and for over 2 years with The Fantasticks (a show he has been involved with for over 30 years first playing the Boy, then El Gallo ,and Hucklebee). He was Senator Lamar Farkus for 2 seasons on Amazon Prime’s Alpha House starring John Goodman. Original Broadway casts include Camelot (1993 revival) starring Robert Goulet, The Scarlet Pimpernel versions 1 and 2( and both cast albums), and A Tale of Two Cities (international CD). He has performed with NYC Opera at Lincoln Center in Candide directed by Hal Prince and Pirates of Penzance. National tours include Joseph and the Amazing…Dreamcoat, My Fair Lady, Camelot, A Funny Thing… Forum, and the pre-Broadway Jekyll and Hyde. He has performed as Santa Claus for over a million and a half people across the country in The Radio City Spectacular for 8 years, and has performed in 48 states. This one is for Chris for first introducing me to The Fantasticks at Bowdoin College.

Eric Michael Gillett
'The Girl's Father (Bellomy)'


Eric is best known as the former ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (1987-1997). He appeared in the original Broadway casts of Kiss Me, Kate (1999 revival), Sweet Smell of Success and The Frogs. Other NYC credits: Candide (NYCO), Seven Deadly Sins (NYCB), Time and Again (MTC), Dream a Little Dream (Village Theater), and the revues Big City Rhythm and Dirty Little Songs. Television/Film: “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Wu Tang, An American Saga” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Quantico,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Kevin Can Wait,” “Daredevil,” “Maid in Manhattan,” “The Loudest Voice,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “The Producers,” etc. Recent theater: J2Spotlight’s A Class Act and The Baker’s Wife. Mr. Gillett is proud to be the recipient of the first American Songbook Association’s Darrell Henline Award celebrating his “career of excellence as a vocalist, director, and teacher in the field of cabaret.” Cape Playhouse debut! ericmichaelgillett.com

Christopher Gurr
'The Actor (Henry)'


Broadway: Cats (revival), Tuck Everlasting, Kinky Boots, Amazing Grace, and All The Way with Bryan Cranston. National Tours: Memphis and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Off-Broadway: Cyrano with Peter Dinklage at New Group, Arturo Ui with Raul Esparza at Classic Stage, and Call Me Madam with Carmen Cusack at City Center. Regional credits include: Elf at Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake City, Fun Home at Theatre Raleigh, Marie at 5th Avenue, Seattle, The Sting at Paper Mill Playhouse, plus Pittsburgh CLO, Geva Theatre Center, Berkshire Theatre Group, Indiana Rep, Ogunquit Playhouse, and Human Race. Television: “Madame Secretary” on CBS, “At That Age” pilot, “Soul Santa” on BET+, “Gilded Age” on HBO, “The Good Fight” on Paramount+, and five episodes as Godwin Page on “The Blacklist” on NBC. He just completed filming season 1 for the new FX series, “Retreat.” Union member: Actors’ Equity, SAG/AFTRA, Stage Directors & Choreographers Society. christophergurr.com

David Hughey
'The Narrator (El Gallo)'


David is truly thrilled to be making his Cape Playhouse debut with such a stellar cast! A Pittsburgh native, David has been featured on and off Broadway, as well as the big and little screens. Some of his credits include: Broadway- Waitress, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Off Broadway- Das Barbecu. National Tours- Waitress 1st National, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess 1st National, TV and Film- “Lincoln Rhyme Hunt for the Bone Collector” (NBC), “FBI Most Wanted” (CBS), “Live From Lincoln Center” (PBS), “The Underground Railroad” (Amazon), “12 Years A Slave”. He is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Manhattan School of Music. Connect – www.davidhughey.com @mrdavidhughey

Jonathan Spivey
'The Man Who Dies (Mortimer)'


Jonathan previously appeared at Cape Playhouse in Pump Boys & Dinettes. Broadway: The Front Page, Lincoln Center’s Act One (later televised for PBS). Off Broadway: Morning’s At Seven, Summer and Smoke (Classic Stage), Smart Blonde. Television: “The Gilded Age,” “FBI: Most Wanted”, “Blue Bloods,” and “WeCrashed”. Regional theatre favorites: Arcadia (Yale Rep), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Long Wharf), His Girl Friday and Man of La Mancha (Barrington Stage), The All Night Strut (Milwaukee Rep), The Thanksgiving Play (Rep Theatre of St. Louis), Baskerville (Syracuse Stage), Born Yesterday (Maltz Jupiter), The Other Josh Cohen (Geva Theatre), and over ten productions at The Old Globe in San Diego where he earned his MFA. Jonathan is the co-author of the play Talmadge & Ray and the musical Murphy’s Law. Instagram: @jonathan.spivey More: www.jspivey.com

Levin Valayil
'The Boy (Matt)'


Levin is thrilled to be making his Cape Playhouse Debut in this beloved show! Previously: Secret Garden (Fakir, Broadway at Music Circus), Bhangin It (Male Swing, La Jolla Playhouse), Poster Boy (Dharun Ravi, Williamstown Theatre Festival), Camelot (Sir Lionel/Tom, Asolo Repertory Theatre), Jungle Book (Mowgli, North American Tour), Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Man #1, u/s Monty, Florida Studio Theatre), Monsoon Wedding (Lottery, Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Film: “Click Next to Continue” (Lead: Roy), “Lip Readers” (Lead: Alex), “Thoughtless” (Lead: Rohan). B.M. Music Therapy/Voice Piano Performance, Berklee College of Music. M.F.A. Musical Theater, Boston Conservatory. levinvalayil.com Social Media: @lvalayil Thank you to my amazing family who has supported my work as an actor throughout the years and to every single teacher that has helped me to get here. Nandi (nun-nee). (thank you in Malayalam).

Charity Van Tassel
'The Mute'


Charity is very excited to be joining the cast of The Fantasticks and to be taking on the challenging role of The Mute. Well, specifically challenging for her due to her inability to stop talking. Many close to her were sure she was offered the wrong role, but she has taken to silence like a deadly emission of gas. National Tours; Chicago (Roxie u/s, Swing) Regional; Gypsy (Dainty June, Riverside Theatre/The Engeman), Saturday Night Fever (Stephanie/Annette u/s, Walnut Street Theatre/WBT), Mamma Mia (Sophie u/s,WBT), Kiss Me Kate (Lois/Bianca @ SU Drama), An American in Paris (Milo u/s,WBT) The Winter’s Tale (Houston Shakespeare Festival), The Who’s Tommy (Theater Under the Stars), Peter Pan (Wendy u/s, Syracuse Stage). Charity has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University. Special thanks to HCKR Agency, her parents and Lauren Unbekant for teaching her how to play. Insta: @fadedglamourpuss

Rebbekah Vega-Romero
'The Girl (Luisa)'


Rebbekah is elated to be making her Cape Playhouse debut, revisiting a treasured role! An NYC native, Rebbekah has performed at theatres across America: on tour (Gertrude/Seussical/TWUSA), in Boston (A Civil War Christmas/Huntington), Seattle (Maria/West Side Story/5th Avenue), and Denver (A Christmas Carol/DCPA – upcoming). In addition to performing, she is a YoungArts award-winning writer, and holds a Bachelor’s (English/Theatre) from Boston University. Rebbekah’s poetry has been published in Sixfold and featured by Ars.Poetica; she wrote, starred in, and produced the short film “The Question,” a comedy about #DatingWhileMixed; and also produced “The Appraiser,” about body dysmorphia. Rebbekah hopes her work will inspire other mixed-race girls to realize “there’s a place for us.” Thanks to cast & crew; Brian at HKA; my blood and chosen familia, especially Dan Pardo, for believing in my voice; y todo mi amor a mi tierra, Nevada. Connect at www.rebbekahvegaromero.com or across social media @RebbekahVR

David Elliott
'Director'


David is so pleased to helm the final show of the Cape Playhouse’s 96th season with this production of The Fantasticks. He has spent over 30 years in the theatre industry, working on nearly 75 productions in New York, London, regionally, and on tour. Since 2004, David served as the co-director of Perry Street Theatricals, in New York City, a Producing and General Manager firm, where he produced or co-produced multiple award-winning shows, including: Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike (Golden Theatre, TONY and Drama Desk winner), Dames at Sea (Helen Hayes Theatre, TONY nomination for best Choreography) and Lend Me A Tenor The Musical (London, West End, Gielgud Theatre, Olivier nom.) As a Director, credits include: Maverick (Connelly, NYC), The Submission (Olney, Helen Hayes nom.), The Oliver Experiment (NYC, Workshop), Edison’s Elephant (Metropolitan Playhouse); Eye Of The Beholder (The Zipper); John O’Keefe’s Shimmer (Irish Rep); Doctor Faustus (Culture Project); Lips Together, Teeth Apart and The Good Doctor (Northstar Theatre, VT); Something About Baseball (Theatre Off Park); and Imperfect Love, Lenin’s Omelet; and Furious (at New York Performance Works).

Dan Pardo
'Music Director'


Dan is a freelance music director, pianist, educator, and arranger, based in NYC. He made his Broadway debut in 2015 as a keyboardist and assistant conductor for Amazing Grace at the Nederlander Theatre. Off-Broadway: I Spy a Spy (St. Clement’s), The Office: A Musical Parody (Orbach), Rothschild and Sons (York), and Skippyjon Jones: Snow What? (Lucille Lortel). Other NYC credits include workshop productions of Come From Away and Found, among many others. Regional favorites include Company at the Barrington Stage (starring Aaron Tveit), How to Succeed at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Fun Home at the Weston Playhouse, and Alice at Yale School of Drama. Dan has also worked on over two dozen productions at Goodspeed Musicals, where he spent three seasons on the resident music staff. In 2019, Dan music-directed his first TV project, the Emmy-nominated variety special, John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch, for Netflix. As an educator, Dan teaches regularly for Harlem School of the Arts, Shuffles Tap and Theatre School, and Rosie’s Theatre Kids.

Daniel Whiting
'Scenic Designer'


Originally based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, Dan is a Technical Director and Production Manager. He worked as the Technical Director for Utah Valley University’s Theater Program for four years, and during that time, he won national recognition for his scenic design and technical direction of Next to Normal and Vincent in Brixton respectively. He has worked with Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts, The Idaho Ballet, The Neil Simon Festival, The Egyptian Theater, The Sundance Eccles Theater, Radical Hospitality Company, Waterford Theater, ACT of Connecticut, The Covey Theater Center, Sackerson Theater Company, The Grassroots Shakespeare Company, The Cape Playhouse, BYU TV, ABC, AMC, and HBO. He is a founding member and former Artistic Director of the Grassroots Shakespeare Company, Utah’s scholarly Shakespeare studies organization and touring theater company. He is a part owner, founder, and former resident Production Manager and Scenic Designer of Sackerson Theater Company.
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Jennifer Paar
'Costume Designer'


Jennifer has been working in New York and regionally as a costume designer for over 20 years. In New York, she has worked extensively with the Obie-Award winning Keen Company, having designed sixteen shows with them including: Ordinary Days, Tick, Tick…Boom, Alphabetical Order, and Lemon Sky. Other New York credits include: Transatlantica (Operating Theater), Futurity, The Musical (Joe’s Pub), Every Day Above Ground with SaBooge Theatre (PS 122) and Thrill Me (York Theatre). Regional credits include Glengarry Glen Ross (Asolo Rep), The Tempest, Elizabeth Rex, Much Ado about Nothing (Opera House Arts), and Rabbit Hole (Premiere Stages). In addition, Jennifer regularly teaches and designs at Actors Studio Drama School, Ramapo College in NJ, and Kingsborough Community College. She is also the Co-Founder of The Costume Studio, a non-profit organization that provides space and supplies for costume designers working on non-profit productions in NYC. For more information visit jenniferpaar.com or thecostumestudionyc.org
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Kirk Bookman
'Lighting Designer'


Broadway (National Actors Theatre): The Sunshine Boys (Jack Klugman and Tony Randall), The Gin Game (Julia Harris and Charles Durning), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Off-Broadway credits include Charles Busch’s The Tribute Artist, The Divine Sister, The Confession of Lily Dare, Recent Tragic Events at Playwrights Horizons (starring Heather Graham), Right You Are (Tony Randall’s last stage appearance), My One Good Nerve (starring Ruby Dee), The Shawl (starring Dianne Wiest), The Book of Liz (David and Amy Sedaris), Les MIZrahi (Isaac Mizrahi). For the Irish Repertory Company: Playboy of the Western World, Eclipsed, The Importance of Being Earnest and Major Barbara. From stage production to large screen video: The Thomashefskys with New World Symphony and Company with the New York Philharmonic starring Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone and Stephen Colbert.

Jacob Levitin
Sound Designer and Sound Engineer


Jacob has been living and breathing sound and music for as long as he can remember. Most recently, he was the A1 for Islander Off-Broadway (Playhouse 46) and worked on multiple Broadway and touring shows as a music technology specialist with Midiomatic LLC. Jake’s very excited for his first summer at Cape Playhouse! Some of his original music and visual work can be found on Instagram @05_bottlebell.

Caroline Pastore
'Stage Manager'


Caroline Pastore (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be returning to The Cape Playhouse this summer! Her most recent credits include An American in Paris (ASM – The Cape Playhouse), Parable of the Sower (ASM- Wise Reagon Arts), Noises Off, A Chorus Line, Once, and Little Shop of Horrors. (ASM- The Cape Playhouse). Caroline would like to dedicate her work this summer to her dear friend Ari Bourke, who loved spending time on the Cape watching the sunrise and gazing at the endless sea of stars. Ari’s light continues to shine and inspire Caroline’s work as a theatre artist.

Rod Kinter
Fight Director


Rod is thrilled to be working on his second show at Cape Playhouse, having previously worked earlier this season on Private Lives. He is a NYC based fight director with credits including Broadway: The Lightning Thief and Live from Lincoln Center: Porgy and Bess (NYCO). Off Broadway, Rod was the Resident Fight Director for 9 seasons for Pearl Theatre Company. Other Off Broadway credits: The Lucille Lortell, Lynn Redgrave, The Mint, The Minetta Lane, The Acorn, Signature and the East 13th Street Playhouse. Rod was the Resident Fight Director for New York City Opera at Lincoln Center from 1995 to 2010. Regional credits include: ART, Yale Rep, The Cleveland Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, The McCarter, The Barter Theatre, Glimmerglass Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Opera Festival of NJ and Shakespeare on the Sound. Rod is on faculty at AMDA teaching Stage Combat. Rodkinter.com

Stephanie Klapper
Casting Director


SKC’s award-winning work is frequently seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, film, television, and streaming media. They are known for their limitless imagination, creativity and for work on a wide range of projects. Stephanie, along with her exceptional team, is dedicated to continuing to expand and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business. Ms. Klapper is passionate about arts education and working with creative teams to develop new work and expand the scope of established work. Ms. Klapper is a member of the National Board of the Casting Society of America, Casting Society Cares, and New York Women in Film. For Bob and Florence.

Dan Pardo
Pianist

Katie Koglin
Harp

Brian O'Neill
Percussionist

Maria Spraker
Harp

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