The classic play is based on Edmond Rostand's 1800s tale, a story of Shakespearean love, it is even written in iambic pentameter. The main characters Percinet and Sylvette declare their love over a wall, much like the wall in A Midsummer Night's Dream where Pyrrumus and Thisbe once stood, while their fathers pretend to hate each other so their children will want to marry each other.
"The Fantasticks", the musical was written in the 1960s and is a modern version of this classic tale. Unfortunately, the converted script is lacking its original panache, the characters of Luisa and Matt seem underdeveloped and lacking in believability.
Sarah Pelzer playing Luisa has captured the childishness of the character, yet when she opens her mouth to sing, out comes a powerful, beautifully operatic voice. Victor Dolhai (Matt) seems a little hesitant to put his arms around his lover-- the chemistry between Victor Dolhai (Matt) and Sarah Pelzer (Luisa) just isn't there. In fact, there was more of a spark between Jacob Richmond (El Gallo) and Sarah, clearly seen during the mask scene.
The setting is intimate, with two talented musicians that are well-integrated into the story, and a minimalist set. However, the choices of set and design reflect the show's lack of grandiosity and dramatics , and many of the songs fell flat. Fran Gebhard steals the show as the over involved parent who is willing to hire an actor to "rape" or ravish her daughter in law.
Overall "The Fantsticks" is a good show, but it lacks the pizazz and energy that one expects of a Broadway musical. The actors are playing realism, especially in the rape song, where it needed to go big ,so big as to be theatrical . It simply didn't go anywhere. And for that reason, I'd give the show a six out of ten.
