The Narrator "El Gallo"
The Girl "Luisa"
Zachary Brehm
Phoebe Jacobs
Noah Miller The Boy's Father "Hucklebee" ...............................Jeffrey S. Sanders
The Boy "Matt"
The Girl's Father "Bellomy"
Robert Henry
Robert Alan Barnett The Man Who Dies "Mortimer" Rob Sim The Mute Anthony J. Redelsperger
The Old Actor "Henry"
Time: Then Place: Act I: In the moonlight, Act II: In the sunlight
The show runs approximately 140 minutes. There is a 20-minute intermission.
"The musical is suggested by a play Les Romanesque by Edmond Rostand."
"Since its opening in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York, and its subsequent revival at the Jerry Orbach Theatre, The Fantasticks remains the longest-running production of any kind in the history of American theatre."
The Fantasticks is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Thank you for coming! I hope you will enjoy The Fantasticks! It is full of truth and wisdom; also some surprises, sadness and magic. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical of all time…42 years at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village. Why? It is a simple story with a profound message: “Without a hurt the heart is hollow.” As you follow along with us, you may recall a painful moment in your life that brought you wisdom. Embrace that moment and sing a song about it, as Matt does in the play. Face it honestly by removing the mask of deception, as Luisa does. Our lives are more vivid and profound when we know the genuine value of our experiences.
I am so grateful to my amazing production team, talented actors and stellar musicians for the work from their hearts to bring this show to you. I believe they will take your breath away! I am honored to close Pentacle’s 68th season with the play that offered me some wisdom as I played The Mute in Pentacle’s 22nd season.
To my brother Tom and my sister-in-law Yvonne, I thank you sincerely for introducing me to The Fantasticks in 1975.
To you, dear audience member, Try to Remember and follow.
In loving memory of Stuart Compton. With Stuart's support and financing from Pioneer Trust, we were able to build this beautiful theater in the woods 58 years ago.
Cherie has been involved with Pentacle since 1964 as part of the prestigious group of kids, Pentacle Brats. After she grew up (age 20), she codirected Godspell with her brother, Tom. Additional directing credits include Pippin, Grease, Nunsense, Oliver!, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy, among others. She has served on Pentacle's Governing Board for 13 years collectively and was awarded a Pentacle Theatre Lifetime Membership in 1994. She currently serves as Pentacle's Historian.
Brandon is so excited to join the directing team for this fantastic production. While this is his first time as an Assistant Director, he is no stranger to our lovely theater in the woods. In fact, The Fantasticks marks Brandon's eighth show with Pentacle. Brandon was seen on the Pentacle stage in 2016's Of Mice and Men. He has also organized backstage as stage manager for a number of productions, including Noises Off, Cabaret, The Cake, and most recently, She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. When not at the theater, Brandon spends his days working as an office coordinator at Salem Health and chasing after his rambunctious and energetic twoyear-old daughter. Brandon would like to thank his wonderful partner for all of the support they give each and every day.
Kimberly is a harpist and composer who resides in the beautiful Willamette Valley. She holds a doctorate in music from the University of Arizona, where she also did her undergraduate and master's degrees. Kimberly has composed music since a young age and is dedicated to creating new and wonderful music for the harp at all levels and in all settings. A self-made Renaissance woman, Kimberly believes that art, music and poetry should be shared daily and in abundance as part of what makes us all human. Kimberly teaches harp at Willamette University.
Composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones are the legendary writing team best known for shaping the American musical landscape with their 1960 hit, The Fantasticks. After its Off-Broadway opening in May 1960, it went on to become the longest-running production in the history of the American stage and one of the most frequently produced musicals in the world.
Their first Broadway show, 110 in the Shade, was revived on Broadway in a new production starring Audra MacDonald.
I Do! I Do!, their two-character musical starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, was a success on Broadway and is frequently done around the country. For several years Jones and Schmidt worked privately at their theater workshop, concentrating on small-scale musicals in new and often untried forms. The most notable of these efforts were Celebration, which moved to Broadway, and Philemon, which won an Outer Critics Circle Award. They contributed incidental music and lyrics to the Off-Broadway play Colette starring Zoe Caldwell, then later did a full-scale musical version under the title Colette Collage. The Show Goes On, a musical revue featuring their theater songs and starring Jones and Schmidt, was presented at the York Theatre, and Mirette, their musical based on the awardwinning children's book, was premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. In addition to an Obie Award and the 1992 Special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Jones and Schmidt were inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre, and on May 3, 1999 their 'stars' were added to the OffBroadway Walk of Fame outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Then in 2012, Jones & Schmidt were honored by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
call 503-485-4300 or email lisa@pentacletheatre.org
Kara returns to Pentacle after performing on stage as Irene in Light up the Sky, Luisa in The Fantasticks (25 years ago!), Maria in Metropolis, The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods and Roz in 9 to 5: The Musical. She has also been the vocal director for five other Pentacle shows. Her other theater-related work experience includes as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, in the Ensemble of All Together Now at Gallery in McMinnville and as vocal director for many shows at Howard Street, West Salem High and CET. Kara lives in West Salem with her audaciously amazing husband Karl and two perfect doodles, Tucker and Tess. She has two beautiful girls in college in Tacoma and four fabulous bonus kids in the midwest. Kara has a busy private voice studio where she has been teaching for about 23 years. When she isn't performing, teaching music or acting, she loves to travel, attend theater and other live events, spend time with her family and occasionally paint or do other crafts. Kara is thrilled to be part of such a fantastic, talented and kind cast and crew and is having a great time working on this production!
Composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones are the legendary writing team best known for shaping the American musical landscape with their 1960 hit, The Fantasticks. After its Off-Broadway opening in May 1960, it went on to become the longest-running production in the history of the American stage and one of the most frequently produced musicals in the world.
Their first Broadway show, 110 in the Shade, was revived on Broadway in a new production starring Audra MacDonald. I Do! I Do!, their two-character musical starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, was a success on Broadway and is frequently done around the country. For several years Jones and Schmidt worked privately at their theater workshop, concentrating on small-scale musicals in new and often untried forms. The most notable of these efforts were Celebration, which moved to Broadway, and Philemon, which won an Outer Critics Circle Award. They contributed incidental music and lyrics to the Off-Broadway play Colette starring Zoe Caldwell, then later did a full-scale musical version under the title Colette Collage. The Show Goes On, a musical revue featuring their theater songs and starring Jones and Schmidt, was presented at the York Theatre, and Mirette, their musical based on the awardwinning children's book, was premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in
Connecticut. In addition to an Obie Award and the 1992 Special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Jones and Schmidt were inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre, and on May 3, 1999 their 'stars' were added to the OffBroadway Walk of Fame outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Then in 2012, Jones & Schmidt were honored by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Christie’s love affair with musical theater dates back to her freshman year of high school when she was coaxed into playing piano for a school production of Anything Goes She most often can be found conducting or playing in pit orchestras at local theaters and high schools, where some of her favorite projects have included Seussical (twice), Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, Rent, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Avenue Q, Spamalot and Cabaret. This is Christie’s 21st production with Pentacle Theatre. When she's not making music or working as the bookkeeper for Pentacle, Christie enjoys spending time with family and friends, knitting and adventuring with her dear husband, Dr. Robert Greybeck, whose love and support brighten her every day.
Every five years the Pentacle Theatre Governing Board honors as Lifetime Members five people who have been active in Pentacle Theatre for at least 20 years. We also remember fondly those Lifetime Members who are no longer with us.
Pamela Abernethy
Dick Bond
Robin Bower
Maggie Dayton
Jo Dodge
Chris Fletcher
Lois Hanson
Ken Hermens
Robert Herzog
Deborah Johansen
Cec Koontz
Dave Leonard Katie Lindbeck
Pauli Long
Nancy Moen
Debbie Neel
Jeff Sanders
Ed Schoaps
Wayne Ballantyne
Dean Bartell
Jack Bellamy
Dr. E.B. Bossatti
Edith Bossatti
Benny Bower
Virginia Choate
Ken Collins
David Cristobal
Bill Cross
Phyllis Cross
Dave Davis
Ron Fox
Rose Ann Hansell
Mrs. Ray Loter
Marian Milligan
Alice Norton
Peg Pink Bob Putnam
Margaret Ringnalda Murco Ringnalda
Larry Roach
Susan Schoaps
Larry Stevens Kathryn Straton Faye Trupka Cherie Ulmer Jeffrey D. Witt De Zajic Tony Zandol
Dick Schmidt
Pat Schmidt
Helen Shepard
Meryl (Bill) Smith
Barbara Sullivan
Tom Ulmer
Claytene Vick Madison Vick Stephen Warnock Rollie Zajic
Bob is delighted to be back at the Pentacle after playing Malvolio in Twelfth Night Other favorite roles include Atticus Finch, Sherlock Holmes, Ebenezer Scrooge, John Barrymore, Judas and God. But his favorite roles are that of husband to Laurie, father to Sheena and Halley and grandfather to Jayden.
Zachary previously performed in Pentacle’s production of Cinderella. Other theater-related work experience includes many shows at Dallas High school. Since then he has performed with Struts and Frets, been a regular part of the Downtown Dallas Murder Mysteries and as a regular at Moonfall Theatre. He is married and earlier this year he and his wife celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. He works as a middle school social studies teacher and is just generally a big nerd.
Robert’s previous Pentacle experience includes as Dick/ Tinsworthy in 9 to 5: The Musical, as The Grinch in Seussical The Musical, as Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol and as an asylum attendant in Dracula. He is married to Janet and has three children, Remy, Sophia and Jackson.
Phoebe Jacobs has grown up doing local theater in Salem and recently graduated from Ball State University in Indiana with a BFA in Musical Theater and a Minor in American Sign Language. She hasn’t done a show at Pentacle since 2013 and is so excited to be a part of this production! Some local shows she has been a part of include playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at Enlightened Theatrics. She also recently played Lenore in a new workshop musical titled Lost in The Hills at Theatre 33. She would love to thank all of the cast and everyone on the creative team for helping to create this lovely show. She wants to thank her mom, Liv, Sav and David for always supporting her, and her dad who is watching from his seat above.
Noah is a music education student at Western Oregon University with a focus on secondary choral and general music teaching. For more than a decade, he has actively pursued theater, dance and multiple forms of musical performance. Some of the productions he’s had the pleasure to be a part of are Footloose (as Ren McCormack) at Gallery Theater, It’s Only a Play (as Gus P. Head) at Gallery Theater and Little Women (as Laurie) at HART Theater. This is his first show at Pentacle. Currently an instructor at Northwest School of Music, Noah has extensive experience in teaching dance, piano, voice and music theory. In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his various plants and animals, and spending time with his loved ones. Noah would like to thank the production team and his wonderful castmates for being the greatest part of this show!
Anthony began acting over 50 years ago. After a decadeslong hiatus from the stage, he returned to Pentacle in 2018 to renew his love for the craft, playing Ross in The Elephant Man, Dracula in Dracula, Samuel Ratchett in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, and most recently, voicing numerous characters in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. He also played Vanya in The Verona Studio's Life Sucks, has acted in films, appeared in music videos and commercial projects, and does voice-over work, including ongoing audiobook narration for the State Library's Talking Books program for the blind and more. Anthony is also a visual artist, photographer and musician. This is the first time he has appeared in any play he has previously done. He played Mortimer in The Fantasticks in the 1970s. The line his character most relates to in this play is "I could speak, if I chose to - "
Pentacle Theatre in Salem is located within the ancestral homelands of the Kalapuya, Yamhill, and Luckiamute people who had lived here since time immemorial.
In the 1850s, these tribes were displaced by colonization and were eventually resettled on reservations. We celebrate and honor the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz members, their resilience and their present and future right to this land.
Jeff has been an active part of Pentacle Theatre since 1981. Recent roles have included Michael Evans in Dancing at Lughnasa, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Candy in Of Mice and Men, Alan in God of Carnage and Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. He has directed productions that include 2017's A Christmas Carol, 2015's All My Sons and 2014's Macbeth He has also been active backstage, on committees and as a member of the governing board. In 2009, he was named a Lifetime Member of Pentacle Theatre. He has also been active with other area theaters. He worked the past two summers for Valley Shakespeare Company beginning with the role of Malvolio in their 2021 production of Twelfth Night. He has appeared with Struts in Frets in a number of productions ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary works. He was also active as an actor and director with The Verona Studio with whom he won the regional AACT Best Acting award for his performance in Terrence McNalley's Full Frontal Nudity. He lives in West Salem with his partner and her four children. He also has an adult son whom he feels he sees far too rarely.
Robert returns to the Pentacle after performing as Edward Wilson in Terra Nova earlier this season. He also previously performed in Pentacle’s production of Enchanted April. Other theater-related experience includes From Time to Time in 2018 from Trill Productions. When not performing, you can find him immersed in his hobbies which include astronomy, haiku and reading.
As I near the end of my term as President of Pentacle Theatre’s Governing Board, I was drawn to reflect on what it means to serve an organization through volunteer service.
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. When you volunteer to support a worthwhile cause in the community, you’re contributing to its mission – but the benefits are often greater for you. Giving your time to an organization you care about can help you to make new friends, connect with a community and learn new skills and perspectives.
Volunteering is all about you giving your time, effort and talent without any expected financial gain. Sharing yourself in this way supplies a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your position as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity.
Over the last few years of board service, I have witnessed many inspiring and selfless acts of service to our theater. As a result, the theater maintained its financial viability during trying times. This shared purpose and focus enabled the theater to emerge from the pandemic.
From the leaders who serve on the Governing Board, to the people scanning your tickets and selling concessions, to the production team and cast, volunteers are the driving force behind every production you see at Pentacle Theatre.
If you’d like to be a part of this vibrant community, click here to learn about the many opportunities to serve. And, when you have a chance, show your appreciation to all the volunteers in your world.
Erik Davis Governing Board President
Pentacle Theatre provides community members a collaborative opportunity to create and experience theater in an atmosphere of respect, support and enjoyment.
Tickets for upcoming productions will be available online at pentacletheatre.org. In 2023, Pentacle Theatre is introducing a new pricing structure designed to improve access to our productions. You can read all about it here. In partnership with Salem For All, Pentacle Theatre offers half-price tickets to individuals who have an Oregon Trail card.
Pentacle Theatre productions will begin on time. At intermission you will be ushered to an available seat. If you leave your seat during the performance, you will not be reseated. Sorry, no refunds for latecomers.
Pentacle Theatre values the safety and health of our patrons and volunteers. Masks are encouraged and recommended at all times in the theater building.
The performers you are about to see have had a recent negative COVID test.
Some concessions are available in the lobby. There is no alcohol for sale at this time. We have provided complimentary bottled water outside the lobby.
Smoking is allowed only in the designated area outside the lobby.
The Fantasticks in dress rehearsal. Photos by Vicki Woods.
Cameras (with or without flash) and recording devices are strictly prohibited. Please turn off beepers and cell phones during the performance.
Advertise in Pentacle Theatre programs! All proceeds benefit Pentacle Theatre. Call the business office for more information: 503-4854300, or email lisa@pentacletheatre.org.
Pentacle Theatre tickets and business office: 503-485-4300.
Online: pentacletheatre.org
To our ushers. Pentacle Theatre could not be successful without the continued and dedicated help of our community.
Pentacle Theatre is an established not-for-profit theater company, providing a five-play season. A nine-member governing board assisted by committee chairpersons and countless other volunteers run the theater. Membership is open to all.
Written by J.B. Priestly. Directed by Isaac Joyce-Shaw. Sponsored by the Family of Alice Mary Norton.
March 3 to 25
Pentacle Theatre is Salem’s premier community theater, offering quality live theater in an intimate setting. The directors, cast and crew delight in presenting audiences with entertaining and innovative seasons of top-quality productions in an all-embracing range of theatrical styles.
Music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Robert Salberg. Sponsored by The Davis Family.
April 21
Written by David Linsday-Abaire. Directed by Jo Dodge. Sponsored by the Paul C. and Robin E. Bower Family Trust.
Written by Arthur Miller. Directed by Seth Allen. Sponsored by M&D Cabinets and Millwork, Inc.
Written by Simon Stephens. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Directed by Debbie Neel. Sponsored by Duchess and The Munchkn.
September 29
October 21
Book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and the music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. Directed by Loriann Schmidt. Sponsored by David Hackleman and Stephanie Schoap, in Memory of Deb Hackleman and Mike Schoap.
November 17 to December 9
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. Directed by Susan Schoaps. Sponsored by Friends and Family of Lyndsey Fields Houser.
Ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of our productions. Your membership and donation help make this theater possible. Thank you! This list represents gifts between 1/1/2021 and 11/20/2022.
($2,000+)
Chris Fletcher & Pamela Abernethy
Chomp! Chocolate
Cherie & Craig Cline
Jean M. Linck & Forrest A. Colling
Erik & Laura Davis
Jo Dodge
Rich Ford - Windermere Real Estate
Leslie & Bill Glassmire
Linda & Dick Haglund
Keudell Morrison Wealth Managament, LLC
Jennifer Martinak
Robin Bower
Saalfeld Griggs
Betsy & Richard Scott Barbara & Bruce W. Thompson
PRODUCER ($1,000+)
Sharlen R. Bennett
Sherry & Alan Bennett
Virginia & Alex Bourdeau
Nancy & Doug Bovee
Laurene & Roger Brousseau
Beverly & Michael Carrick
Sherry Collins
Tom M. Hewitt
Kelli & Ron Jaecks
Lisa & Marty Johnson
Bruce E. Kepford, in Honor of Anthony Redelsperger
Katie & Laslo Kolta
Ann Lyman
Judi Morris
Patrick Moser
Beverly A. North
Kay & Scott Reichlin
Lizabeth Ann Rogers Kathy D. Saviers
David Hackleman & Stephanie Schoap
DIRECTOR ($500+)
Sibylle & Richard Beck
Penny Blackwell
Eden Rose Brown Mike Cechovic
Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Collada
Linda D. Cress
Jeanne & Bill Dalton
Joyce & Mark Eklund
Pam & Roger Elliott, in Memory of Dallas Northcott
Beverly L. and Michael A. Freitas
Jo Rita Gann
Jody & Mark Gordon Jay Howe & Janet Gros
Jacques Gail A. Harbert
Paula Hartwig
Robynn & John L. Hayek
Bob & Marypat Hill Joe & Linda Hillesum
Cornelia B. Hoppe, in Memory of Ken & Marg Limbocker
Shirley Koontz
Mary Ann B. Kosiewicz
Ellen Langsather
Connie Elaine LaRoche
Judith & Greg Linder
Lynelle Littke
Rus McCracken
Ruth McGuire
Roberta W. Moore
Hinrich Muller
Debbie & Mike Neel
Vanessa Nordyke
Oregon Community Foundation
Liz & Don Oswalt
Carol Kay Riedl
Joan Robinson
Tom & Cesie Delve Scheuermann
Christie L. Smith & Dr. Robert J. Greybeck, Jr. Emma C. Thurston
Juanita & Lloyd Weigel
Gerald & Henrietta Wimer, in Memory of Ken Limbocker
Steven K. Wollenburg Penny & Bill Wylie Autumn Lynn Yongchu
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ($250+)
Gayle McMurria & George Bachik
David R. Ballantyne
Katy & Charles Bayless
Leora Berger
Carol Coley & Ron Boucher
Marlene Buker
Tracie B. Burger
Grover & Cheryl Carter
Susan F. Christensen
Tylee Cloyd
Dennis & Barbara Curtin Miles
Merry Davidson
Dick Day
Lois & Dale Derouin
Edna Denton & Carel Dewinkel
Dean & Beth Vargas Duncan
Oddny & Brad Everson
Karen & Bill Farmer
Darlene Fletcher
Albert & Ginny Furtwangler Holly Giesbrecht
Lois Hanson
Sally & Ray Hollemon
Sherril & Lynn Hurt
Paul Allen Kyllo
Fran J. Lattin
Linda Ann Lockwood
Pauli Long
Sherry & Terry L. Lowells Dr. Betsy McDowell & John Gussenhoven
Nancy & Kevin Moen Network for Good Beth I. Nevue
Jim & Sondra Nice Louise & Keith Putman Omar D. Quintero
Kristin Ramstad
Susan & Richard Ray Susanna Rose Schwab Charitable Fred Eugene Shaub
Carlene Kaliher Shultz in Memory of Jack Johnson
Diane McLin & David Smedema
Joanna & Ronald Stout Susan & Toru E. Tanabe
Jim & Rhonda Lyn Thompson Heather & Bryan Toller
LEADING ACTOR ($100+)
Janie Abernethy & Philip Cohen, in Honor of Pamela Abernethy Sandra & William Albright Edna & Richard Anderson
Arabas Family Gordon & Pat Bacon
Kenn & Nancy Battaile
Keith & Madge Bauer
Edward Beaudry
Clyde Otis Berry
Jenni E. Bertels, in Memory of David Cristobal
Bill & Anita Blaumer Cliff & Lynda Boyer Jenan & Gary Brandt
Mar'Sue & Perry Brown Gary & Diane Buckley Barbara Castle Nanci Chambers Diane and Aaron Clingerman Kay & Philip Cogswell Gretchen Coppedge, in Memory of Dr. Jack Bellamy
Maggie Dayton Cliff Deighan Tamara L. Dohrman Carol Doolittle
David & Velma Du Fault Patricia Ehrlich Carolyn & Bob Engle Fidelity Charitable Sue Frauendiener Valorie A. Freeman Brandon Gitchel Thomas & Margaret Grove Mark & Allana Hadden Walter D. & Dawn Graff Haight
June & Harvey Hammer, in Loving Memory of Ruth Lundstrom
Julie Harrison, in Memory of David Cristobal
Janice M. Henry
Franca Hernandez
James & Beverly Herzog
Elizabeth & Scott Hess
David Hockman-Wert
Gloria & Alan Holland
Sue Hoover
Bill Howell
William Howell
Susan Coburn Hughs
Nancy Hull
Laura Jacobs Anderson Beverly L. James
Julie & Frank Jellison
Heather & Bruce Johnson
Lesley Lynn Johnson
Patricia Johnson Michael Patrick Johnston Janet & Richard Kahler
Ruth & Fred Kaser
Norma Jean Standlea & Hank Keeton
Mary Keortge, in Memory of Lois Harris Gail & Gary Knighten Mary & Larry Krumdieck David Kuhns
Katie Lindbeck, in Memory of David Cristobal Ann & Joe Little
It’s “as if Priestley was writing about the climate-change crisis about to engulf us all. It feels like he anticipated the march toward political extremes, the rise of smug complacency and the fall of personal moral obligation. Characters in this show have endless trouble seeing how their own biases impedes their readings of facts; there are versions of this occurring right now on our streets right outside this theater.” — Chicago Tribune
