My overall impression
I’ve never seen the Fantasticks, so thanks to Good People Theatre Company for giving me a chance. At two hours run time, it’s a beast for Fringe schedules, but I saw a pleasant crowd of all ages walk out with a smile on their face. Personally, I have negotiated a détente in my war against musical theatre, but tensions still run deep in the decades-long conflict. I do not enjoy much of the “classic musical” catalog, of which I think it is safe to include “The Fantasticks.” While the actor-controlled aesthetic feels “Fringe-y” – whatever that even means – there seems to be a staleness or lack of vitality that I can’t necessarily place on the production or the source material. Certainly, with a centerpiece of a woman treated as property (and the stole stage hand a silent woman in servitude) and no strong female presence, it feels an artifact of an older time. I don’t think it’s necessarily regressive to continue to produce this show, but I struggle to see the benefit from dusting it off and trotting it out. This is not a show that is daring, new or essential – what I would consider aspects that make a “Fringe” attempt “successful” – but it is endearing, charming and funny. There’s no lack of entertainment and the choice to feature a live harp was interesting and worth the experience itself.
