Roncalli High School to present ‘The Fantasticks’

Roncalli High School, part of Roncalli Catholic Schools, is set to stage its performance of “The Fantasticks” March 24-26. “The Fantasticks” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

“Les Romanesques” by Edmond Rostand was adapted into this 1960 musical, which features book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt. “The Fantasticks,” considered to be the longest-running musical in history, opened off Broadway and ran until 2002. That is more than 17,000 performances during the course of 42 years – and longer than “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera” and even, “LesMiserables.” So, what makes “The Fantasticks” so fantastic? It is a small musical with a huge heart. It has everything you’d want in a show. There are young people in love, feuding parents, pirates, bandits, a touch of Shakespeare, sword fights and a mute.

“We look forward to sharing this piece of musical history with the Lakeshore community,” said Director Timothy Olson. “The eight young performers who will tell this tale will impress you with their talent, entertain you through song, and hopefully help you to remember what it was like to be young and in love.”

The show will be performed at the high school’s Fine Arts Center, 2000 Mirro Drive in Manitowoc. Performances will take place Thursday, March 24 through Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in the 485-seat Zimmer Auditorium. Cost of admission is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens (age 65 and older) and students under 18, and free for Roncalli Catholic Schools students. Tickets are general seating and may be purchased at the box office one hour prior to each performance.   

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.