Carlee WrightCatch The Fantasticks on stage December 8- 17
Pentacle Theatre is switching it up this holiday season. Instead of the usual holiday romp, the community theater is mid-run of a classic of a different sort: The Fantasticks.
Known as the longest-running musical on Broadway, this romantic charmer is a musical comedic escape that captivated audiences long enough to keep it running in NYC for 42 years. Nostalgic, yet universal, it is a timeless tale with star-crossed lovers, meddling fathers and a captivating story that immerses you in the lives of both.
Director Cherie Ulmer has loved The Fantasticks since she first heard of it in 1975, and this is the second time she has been connected to the show through Pentacle Theatre.
“My brother, Tom Ulmer, was the pianist for the production and told me about the character The Mute. He encouraged me to audition,” she said. “The Mute is a very unique character as he/she serves as a visual Greek Chorus always present, and responding visually and by adding props, to enhance the significance and feeling of each moment of the play.”
Cherie, a student of mime drawn to the art of visual performance, landed the role, which kindled her love for the classic tale that has become a staple in the theater world.
“The Fantasticks is full of poetry and meaning. It is full of humor and beautiful music. It is a story of all time as it is about growing up, experiencing hardship and growing wise,” Cherie said. “It is a story for all of us no matter where we are in our journey.”
As the director, Cherie has emphasized the heart of the play. “It spoke to me loud and clear when I was 18 years old.”
Although the show’s stage dressing may not be as elaborate as some of Pentacle’s more recent productions, Cherie’s experience brings direction with a keen eye for focused details.
“It is not easy to do a minimalist setting – light needs surfaces in order to reflect, illuminate and add focus. We have few surfaces as there are no ‘walls,’” Cherie said. “I have had a fun challenge creating the illusion that this is a ‘traveling’ play — going from town to town, setting up, sharing the story then moving on. It requires creativity from our design team and our performers.”
Those performers have been one of the most enjoyable aspects of working on this play, Cherie said. “…watching the actors develop specific ways to tell the story – various scenes are ripe with potential and I love to see how the actors test something new. The ensemble of this production is outstanding and even after my 47 years since I was first exposed to The Fantasticks I still learn new things and delight in how it applies to our modern generation of young people. The level of talent in this production is remarkable. The musicianship, the acting and the design work all wrapped up will delight most everyone.”
And while not your typical holiday show, it truly is one the whole family can enjoy.
“… it is uplifting, heartwarming. It reminds us of the importance of all seasons of the earth and of our lives. We all can use a bit of that in these stressful times,” Cherie said.
The Fantasticks
Music by Harvey Schmidt and book lyrics by Tom Jones. Directed by Cherie Ulmer.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec 8-10. 15-17 and 2 p.m. Dec 11
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Tickets: Purchase in advance at Pentacle’s ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE or by calling 503-485-4300 or online at pentacletheatre.org. Tickets also available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each show.
Info: 503-485-4300
The Instigator
