Harvey Schmidt, Jerry Orbach - The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: Reckless and terribly gay!
Hit: 5 Stars
Unlike most of the other reviewers, i have never actually seen a performance of The Fantasticks, and everything i know about it comes from the excellent CD handbook and from conversations with people who have. This however, does not prevent me from enjoying this CD to the fullest; i can honestly say that i consider this wonderful fusion of talented performers, amusing and at times deeply touching lyrics and charming music to be nothing less than a sheer delight. In someways it is a breath of fresh air from the Broadways shows of the period and the fact that the show is still going strong today is a pretty good indication that many people share my enthusiasm for it. One of its principle attractions is that it has no orchestra; all the music is performed by two musicians. This is what makes the light, tinkling overture so novel and exciting; it forces you to sit up in your chair and eagerly anticipate what is to follow. And the rest of the score doesnt dissapoint. Some of the most gripping numbers are right up there with many of the greatest broadway moments; they simply cannot be ignored. The Narrator opens that show with the unforgettable Try to Remember, this is followed by a couple of sweetly charming moments for the young heroine and hero; Rita Gardner and Kenneth Nelson are both in their element on this recording. At this point the fathers enter, and join with the narrator to capture the ridiculous and at the same time utterly delightful feeling of the piece in that memorable romp, It Depends On What You Pay, which is possibly my favorite moment in the CD. The show continues to impress with the extremely catchy This Plum Is Too Ripe, the all too prophetic I Can See It, the hilarious and at the same time extremely poignant Plant A Radish, and the climatic Round and Round. It is true that at times the songs may seem rather long and repetitive; my first impression of this CD was one of dislike and impatience. But then, i have often had that sensation with musicals, and i hav never found one that i did not grow to love. (I mean, i disliked Les Miz the first time i heard it!) What more can i say? Just go for it, this is an essential recording for any musical fan, even the extremely critical ones.Free Music Review: A Show For The Decades
Hit: 5 Stars
I first saw "The Fantasticks" in 1962 when my then girlfriend asked me to take her to see it. As soon as the ovature began, I was hooked. It literally bit into my soul and has been there ever since. And to tell honest, each time I began going steady with another lady, I would take her to see this show.
The first time I saw it was with most of the original cast. Over the next 11 years I likely saw "The Fantasticks" once a year and each time was a most pleasant experience. Then in 1972 I moved West.
The last time I saw the original production was in the mid-1970's when my wife and I were on a trip to "da Big Apple" and we went to see one of our friends who was then in the cast. My wife had heard the LP but had not seen the show until then.
When I moved to CD's I put my LP's in storage. Except for hearing a few songs on the radio from time to time, "The Fantasticks" fell into the recesses of our minds. Then in recent weeks several things happened. I was going to be in NYC and had heard about the revival at the Snapple Theater. So, I bought tickers for myself and some friends.
Also, curious to see if the show had been released on CD, I was elated to find that it had been remastered and re-released. I ordered it and we have been playing it ever since it arrived. And it still bites at my heart in the same way it did all those years ago when Jerry Orbach, Rita Gardner, Kenneth Nelson and all the others first introduced me to the beauty of Tom Jones lyrics and Henry Schmidt's music.
Addendum: On Sunday evening May 13, 2007, I found myself sitting in the Snapple Theater to once again experience the true elegance of this amazing little show. It was for this writer, a trip back in time. A truly lovey trip back and an evening of theater that I cherish.
Free Music Review: Treat Yourself to a Musical classic
Hit: 5 Stars
From this beautifully remastered recording of the original 1960 cast album, it is obvious why The Fantasticks ran for 42 years off Broadway, making it the world's longest continuous musical run to date. In a time of Mega-Mega-Mega This or That, The Fantasticks stands as a testament to the simple beauty of the lyric and melody of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, and the simple poignancy of a tale about human relationships and lasting love without frills, big budgets, or preachiness. Those raised on musicals of the last 3 decades initially may be unable to process it. Extensive recording notes provide a background of the musical and full synopsis of the story, photos, and the entire lyrics and dialogue within the recording. The enchanting two-piano score jumps off the CD to life before you from the first note to the last. The listening experience is akin to sitting in the front row of the intimate Sullivan Street Playhouse where this modern-day Romeo and Juliet premiered and played for more than four decades. From the score, "Try to Remember" -- exquisitely sung by Jerry Orbach, and "They Were You" with Rita Gardner and Kenneth Wilson stand out as classics, though every song beautifully walks us through the lives of the characters. Also extraordinary is the opportunity to hear this wonderful cast, many of whom were appearing in first notable roles. Treat yourself to an experience of what theatre is truly all about.Free Music Review: When less gives more
Hit: 5 Stars
If a show opens in 1960 and is still running after about 16,000 performances, one can reasonably assume it is a good show in every sense of the words. Standing on the other pole (so to speak) from the current run of Broadway's visually rich/musically barren spectacles, <The Fantasticks> is a charming little work designed for a basement production and so perfect that many have seen it several times, especially when friends come in from out of state. In fact, when they wanted to close it at last, the neighborhood would not let them!So I don't have to sing the praises of this classic, which has been available for many years on the original cast LP. Now the Good News is that it has been made available in a "re-mastered, completely repackaged edition," as the press release expresses it on the Decca Broadway label (314 543 665-2). So sit back and enjoy once more the voices of Jerry Orbach, Kenneth Leson, Rita Gardner, William Larsen, Hugh Thomas, and all the others in this anti-spectacular with good dialogue, decent lyrics, and (Heaven be praised) lovely melodies. (And give the Rostand play, "The Romantiques," a read too. It is lovely.)
Free Music Review: As Good As Ever
Hit: 5 Stars
In July of 2007 I had the pleasure of seeing the revival of "The Fantasticks" at the small Snapple-Jerry Orbach Theater in Times Square. The musical opened in 1950 at The Sullivan Street Playhouse in 1960 and closed in 2002 after 17,162 performances. I saw it shortly after it opened in 1960 with the legendary Jerry Orbach playing El Gallo, the narrator. This is the original cast recording. With only a piano and harp it sounds like a full-throated orchestra accompaniment.
The music is as fresh as ever and will remain a classic of musical theater. It is a small, intimate show that belongs in a small theater. The opening and closing song "Try to Remember" is one of those hummable numbers that stays with you long after you leave the theater. "Soon It's Gonna Rain" and "Round and Round" are memorable numbers. For nostalgia and sheer enjoyment this CD belongs in every musical theater buff's library.