Village Players Theatre presents The FANTASTICKS review by Ed Vincent Pyramus and Thisbe meets a Midsummer's Night Dream and is slapped with a bit of Laugh In, might sum up the plot a bit with some tongue and cheek for spice.  The Fantasticks ran for some 42 years at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, New York.  The Village Player's production will not come close to that goal or even setting a local record.  The show will close on the first of October of this year, and you should get your tickets for this memorable production.  The sets are much like those in the orignal production and the opening song, "Try to Remember" will bring back fond memories to many.  The characters are fun and portrayed with jest and drama.  A twenty year old boy unaware of the passions of life, or at least the passions of the opposite sex, seems a bit off base-but soon we find the group with another reality.   Clara Reaves, as the young girl Luisa is a shinning star in her role and gives the part some fun emotive theatrics.  This farcical notation of life has more than enough common reality to keep on its path and your interest on stage. The two fathers, played by Chris Aruffo and Guy Klinzing make their notable appearance as two neighbors doing a musical duet while dancing together featuring their psychological manipulation of their progeny.  Once we learn how simple kids and young adults are to bend your way the drama increases with smiles and turns along the way. "Rape by night is best", proclaims the villan for hire-El Gallo. El Gallo, brought to life by Andy Baldeschwiler gets the honor of singing the best known song of the play and chasing the women- all for hire.  Daniel Bakken and his accomplice Dan Marco are both treats of delight in their grand whimsy and theatrics of humor. This is a festive drama, with a grand history from New York. The Village Players do a wonderful job of performing and setting the stage for this loved tale of misadventure. http://www.thefantasticks.com/ (the Official Website) www.village-players.org The Fantasticks, the world's longest running musical, kicks off the season for Oak Park's Village Players Theatre and stars Tug Watkins as Matt, Clara Reaves Luisa and Andy Baldeschwiler as El Gallo. Village Players Theatre photo THE FANTASTICKS KICKS OFF SEASON AT VILLAGE PLAYERS   (Oak Park, Ill.)-- It's a tale as old as time and its New York run lasted almost that long too. The Fantasticks has been charming audiences since 1960, closing in 2002 after more than 17,000 performances. There's a reason for that kind of longevity and on September 10, 2006 Village Players Theatre offers its own interpretation of this classic, off-Broadway musical.   Bill Brennan directs the tale of young love and its obstacles with a cast that includes: Chris Aruffo, Daniel Bakken, Andy Baldeschwiler, Guy Klinzing, Dan Marco, Carole McCurdy, Clara Reaves and Tug Watson.   Production Manager Scott Lee Heckman, Choreographer Shawn Quinlan, Stage Manager Lindsey Miller, Set & Properties Designer Bill Jenkins, Costume Designer Christine Mavroutas and Lighting Designer Andrew Glasenhart comprise the crew.   The Fantasticks premieres Sunday, September 10, 2006 at with a 3 pm performance followed by a post-performance wine and hors d'oeurves reception in the theater. Regular performance dates are Friday, September 15, 22, 28, 2006 - 8 p.m.; Saturday,September 16, 23, 29, 2006 - 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 10, 17, 24, 2006 & October 1, 2006 - 3 p.m. Regular performance ticket prices are $22.00, and senior and student tickets are $18.00.   Preview performances are scheduled for Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9, 2006 at 8 pm. Preview tickets are $12.   For tickets or information call the Village Players Theatre box office at 708-524-1892 or visit the theater online at www.village-players.org.   The theater is located at 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park, Ill. Free parking is available on the street. Village Players Theatre is wheel chair accessible. www.village-players.org

Special Group discounts are available. 

Call 1-708-222-0369 for ticket reservations 
and 708-524-1892 for group and/or more information.

Village Players Theatre is a non-equity professional 
theater located in Oak Park, IL at 1010 W. Madison St – 
North of 290 and East of Harlem Ave.

www.village-players.org