‘Fantasticks’ proves an overall triumph

Musical is a must-see show for all

Caleb Johnson Roundup Reporter

Imagine a story based on “Romeo and Juliet” – except instead of the family feud being real, it’s fabricated to bring the pair together. That is the basis of “The Fantasticks,” currently being performed by actors from Pierce College’s theater department.

The show was well done in all aspects, from acting and singing to choreography and musical accompaniment. It is a must-see show, even for those who have already seen it before.

Small changes in the script made fantastic differences – even something as minor as changing a single line from one person to a similar character made moments seem sweeter than they would’ve been otherwise.

“The Fantasticks,” running through to Nov. 3 at Pierce’s temporary Performing Arts Complex, is a 1960 musical with an off-Broadway production that ran for 42 years. It is the world’s longest-running musical, with many well-known tracks such as “Try To Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “Much More.” causes the fathers to be so proud and happy that the supposed feud ends, allowing them to drop the aggressive pretense and let the two be together.

The story centers around Matt (Mark Needle) and Luisa (Samantha Labrecque), whose fathers, Hucklebee (Mark Lewis) and Bellomy (David Colville), had built a wall and started a fake feud in order to push their children into marriage.

The acting was solid throughout the musical, seeming to fit the balance of serious, playful and briefly fantastical that the plot exudes. There was a definite sense of camaraderie and friendship between the actors, fitting in with their roles perfectly.

Even Wells’ death scene within the play caused a brief pause in the music as musical director and accompanist Cassie Nickols stopped to watch it with a worried expression along with the crowd.

The set manipulation was simple, but nicely done. The Mute (Ondřej Pšenička, also the Wall) and occasionally other cast members moved the props on stage. This made the changes in scenery a physical and observable part of the play, allowing the audience to participate in the changeovers visually.

The microphones could have been more balanced with the accompaniment when moments are intense, though everything was still audible and understandable without much issue.

The piano accompaniment by Nickols was great. It drew the audience in just when it was necessary – and even an occasional, poignant pause caused the crowd to truly fear for the actors when they seemed to be in trouble.

No details were spared even given short windows of practice before they had to start performing the show.

DJ:

College student Dan Amaya not be able to walk, but nothing sets him back from achieving his dream to become a DJ. His hands are of much use in enabling him to perform and entertain as a DJ for parties and events. He mixes and blasts music from his customized devices for a birthday in Canoga Park on Friday, Oct. 25.

The fathers hire a professional, “El Gallo” (Michael Hovance, also the narrator) to arrange a kidnapping of Luisa where Matt saves her with the help of Henry (Michelle Hallbauer) and Mortimer (Vance Wells).

Matt’s heroic rescue of Luisa

Putting it all together, “The Fantasticks” was well-acted, sung, played, danced and directed by all involved.

Choir to host annual fundraiser

Singers to perform

Kathryn Grayson, a movie star from the 1940s and ‘50s, and “Les Misérables” will be the focus of the Pierce College Philharmonic Choir and San Fernando Valley Master Chorale’s annual fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Madrid Theatre.

The concert will feature a onewoman tribute performance from Kristin Towers-Rowles, who is a granddaughter of Grayson’s, and revue of the first and second acts of “Les Misérables.”

Terry Danne, artistic director, says that he hopes the combination of the two performances will provide a good contrast to show how musicals change with time.

“I thought about the audience. A lot of older people know about Kathryn Grayson, and the [younger audience members] will get to hear about her,” Danne said. “By doing both in one show, we should be able to pick up two generations.”

Danne says that audience members can expect the performers to put on a good show.

“The characters are wellrepresented,” he said.

Tickets – $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and veterans and $15 for students – can be purchased online at madridtheatre.tix.com or at the box office of the Madrid Theatre for $30 each on the day of the show.

For more information, call (818) 753-3306.

REHEARSAL: Terry Danne, artistic director for the Pierce College Philharmonic Choir, leads the performers (not pictured) during a rehearsal on Saturday, Oct. 26 for their annual fundraiser. The show is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. in the Madrid Theatre.

Clockwise from Top

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VOLLEYBALL: Pierce Collegeʼs womenʼs volleyball team all wear pink shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a game against Cuesta College on Friday, Oct. 18 in the Ken Stanley Court.

Carlos Carpio/Roundup

SOCCER: The womenʼs soccer team wears pink to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the game against Ventura College on Oct. 10 at Pierce College. A pink soccer balls was also used during the game.

Carlos Carpio/Roundup

CHEER: (L-R) Rudolph Secundino, Lattice Simpson, Alina Camacho and Jessica Reveles, members of the Pierce cheer team, sport pink ribbon stickers on their faces for during the game at Los Angeles Valley Collegeʼs Monarch Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Carlos Carpio/Roundup

FOOTBALL: Wide receiver Earl Hargrove of Pierce wears pink gloves and chin strap as he celebrates in the endzone during the game at Los Angeles Valley Collegeʼs Monarch Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19.