DIRECTOR’S LETTER

Welcome to "The Little Show That Could".  My other title to this wonderful music "The Fantasticks.  Why "The Little Show That Could?"  We began this journey with auditions back in 2020 before the Covid lockdown.  We tried to pick up the pieces several times changing venues and casts with always the hope that we would finally bring this beautiful little show to life!  How this "Little Show That Could" got its steam was with the joining of forces the CT Playmakers and the Town Players of New Canaan at the Powerhouse Theater.  I am so grateful to Deborah Burke and all those at the Powerhouse for hosting and helping us to give this production to you.  My special thanks to our CT Playmaker producers, stage manager, set, costume, prop assistants, stage crew, light crew, our glorious harpist, this amazing talented cast and my dear musical friend Chris Coogan.  Please be sure to read the info on cast and crew to get to know all those involved who worked tirelessly and passionately to open this show.

The Fantasticks opened in 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village and closed January 13,2002.  It has been recorded as the world's longest running musical with performances in 67 countries, a live tv version, a film version, a revival in 2006 and too many other productions to be able to mention here.  I discovered The Fantasticks at 18 years of age as a student at the HB Studios in NYC. The original Luisa, Rita Gardner, and Director, Word Baker, were both on the faculty there. I saw the Sullivan Street production several times and had the exciting opportunity to audition on its stage.  I have a list of favorite musicals however, The Fantasticks holds a special place in my heart.  I love its simplicity, beautiful music, and uplifting spirit. There have been many variations on this musical but I wanted to keep it as close as possible to my memory of its original production.  To quote a memorable moment in the show: "Recall that secret place. You've been there, you remember: That special place where once-just once-In your crowded sunlit lifetime. You hid away in shadows from the tyranny of time." 
- El Gallo

May you find that secret, special place with us here tonight!!

Michele Grace 

THE FANTASTICKS  - Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones and Music by Harvey Schmidt

Awarded TONY HONORS for EXCELLENCE IN THEATER in 1991.

"Try To Remember" a time when this romantic charmer wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time.

The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that, "without a hurt, the heart is hollow."

With its minimal costumes, small band and virtually nonexistent set, The Fantasticks is an intimate show engages the audience's imagination and showcases this strong ensemble cast. It's a moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love is punctuated by a bountiful series of catchy, memorable songs, many of which have become classics, including "Try To Remember" .

NOTE:  The musical is suggested by a play Les Romanesques 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)

_______________________________________________________________

TOWN PLAYERS OF NEW CANAAN - HISTORY OF THE POWERHOUSE THEATRE

In 1979, the original Power House to the Waveny Estate, located in what is now Waveny Park, stood empty and purposeless, falling prey to vandalism and deterioration. At the same time, the Town Players of New Canaan were looking for a home, a place to store costumes, build sets and perform. It was a perfect match that the abandoned building and the homeless Town Players should come together. The task of restoring the powerhouse and converting it to a theater, however, was a monumental undertaking and required serious fundraising and the efforts of hundreds of volunteers over a three-year period.  The result is a intimate 115-seat theater for the community to enjoy.

Since opening in 1983, the Town Players of New Canaan at the Powerhouse Theatre has performed hundreds of productions, staged readings, special events, theater educational classes and workshops, run children’s programs, etc., and is still going strong.  During Covid, we had a few months to step back and re-evaluate, and we decided it was time to come back even better!  In working again with the Town of New Canaan, we will be doubling the size of our lobby, updating to current ADA compliant restrooms, and hopefully establishing the additional Shed Theatre on the property to expand our theater education program, and well as providing a black-box theater for unique and intriguing productions.

The Town Players of New Canaan is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit community theater now in our 76th Year.  Established in 1946, we moved from place to place until finding our forever home.  We hope you will join us in your support of the new Powerhouse Performing Arts Center.

Visit TPNC.ORG website