Arts & Entertainment

"The Fantasticks" Show Returns to the Raue Center

Williams Street Repertory will present the second season of "The Fantasticks" from Friday, Aug. 10 through Aug. 26, 2012.

 

Williams Street Repertory is pleased to announce the opening of the second season of  “The Fantasticks” at the Raue Center for the Arts.

The show opens at 8 p.m. tonight, Aug. 10, and runs through Aug. 26, at the Raue, located at 26 N. Williams St., in downtown Crystal Lake. 

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As the longest running musical in history, “The Fantasticks” is an American classic. The timeless story of neighboring widowers plotting to romantically unite their son and daughter by pretending to feud and forbidding the two children to associate with each other will be re-imagined for the small second stage by producing director, T. Paul Lowry. Lowry's inventive circus concept is sure to send tingles up your spine!

The book and lyrics are written by Tom Jones with the music by Harvey Schmidt.

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“T. Paul has put together an amazing vision for this show, and we are thrilled that he continues his directing work with us,” said Richard Kuranda, artistic director.

Lowry spent 15 years working in New York City and Connecticut before coming to Raue Center. As the creative director of New Haven Theater Co., he created unique and diverse programming ranging from Hispanic children’s theater to street performance art. 

The Raue "Fantasticks" cast includes new Williams Street Repertory Company members Matthias Austin (El Gallo), Dana Parker (Luisa), Evan Johnson (Matt), and John McNally (The Mute/Magician). Raue regulars will recognize actors Frank Gaughan (Hucklebee), Paul Anderson (Bellomy), Amanda Flahive (Henry/Mute’s Assistant) and Kate Hein (Mortimer/Mute’s Assistant).

Cast members recently got into character on the Raue Center and William Street Repertory's Fantasticks-themed float for the Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade.

WSR- a professional theatre company right in Crystal Lake's backyard - is excited to build on its outstanding opening season and provide quality entertainment all year long.

The 2012-2013 season will include:

The return of “The Rocky Horror Show” opening Oct. 19.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” opening Nov. 23.

 “Company” opening Feb. 1.

“Short Stories and Tall Tales of the American Herod” opening April 13.

 “Steel Magnolias” opening April 26.

Over the past year, Raue Center has attracted regional and national attention as recently as a July article on its successful National Piano Conference in the Huffington Post.

Reviews: 

Steve Cochran of WIND Fox Radio praised WS Rep calling its work, “Challenging, provocative and, oh yeah… Fun.”

Rick Kogan of WGN also had rave reviews for the Raue Center and WS Rep saying, “You must, must see this amazing work at this beautiful theater. Outstanding.”

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets to “The Fantasticks” are $30 general admission and can be purchased online at www.wsrep.org, www.rauecenter.org, or via the Box Office at 815-356-9212, or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

This show is sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, BMO Harris Bank and RFP Photography, Inc.


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