In Tandem gets ‘The Fantasticks’ right
Musical theater’s longest running show, “The Fantasticks,” is quite easy and terribly difficult to present.
Uncomplicated to produce, the show requires a cast with the theatrical chops to deliver the universal truths of a deeply poignant story without overacting, while serving a healthy dose of comedy, and singing some deceptively difficult musical numbers.
In Tandem Theatre’s production, directed by Jane Flieller, found that cast, dressed them in costumes (Kathy Smith) that neatly inform their characters, and set them on an elegantly functional set (Lisa Schlenker).
The story: young lovers are brought together by scheming fathers, but need to experience the world and the pain it can inflict (enter a mysterious bandit and a couple of itinerant actors), in order to truly love one another.
Particularly outstanding are Andrew Varela’s spot-on El Gallo and Robert Spencer’s endearing Henry Albertson.
Varela is suave and manipulative, but also self-aware and rueful of the pain he causes. He sings much of the role with a big, commanding sound, moving to a small warm sound to pull the audience in to tender, intimate moments.
Spencer, who played Matt for two years in the famous Off-Broadway production, doesn’t steal scenes as actor Henry Albertson so much as he simply owns them. He is endearingly dotty, wonderfully theatrical, and full of humor and pathos.
Susan Wiedmeyer delivers a freshfaced, beautifully sung Luisa. Her Luisa is fragile enough to be hurt deeply, but resilient enough to understand that she’s stronger for it.
Keegan Siebken, as Matt, combines the arrogance of youth and the abandon of first love in character that grows into a caring man.
Matt Daniels (Hucklebee) and Chris Flieller (Bellamy) are delights. They are part seasoned comedy duo and part genuine, big-hearted fathers, meddling in their children’s lives with the best of intentions.
Austin Dorman’s Mortimer is a sidekick one comes to care about. Mary McLellan is a perfectly essential Mute.
Harpist Mary Keppler and music director/pianist Josh Robinson accompany the show.
In Tandem’s “The Fantasticks” runs through May 20 at the Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N. 10th St.
For more information visit www.intandemtheatre.org or call (414) 271-1371.