Reisterstown Theatre Project Opens Its Curtains for The Fantasticks

Almost 20 years ago, June Frank delightedly worked as an assistant stage manager during the production of one of her favorite musicals, The Fantasticks.

Now, as executive director of the Reisterstown Theatre Project (RTP) she’s thrilled to be part of the show once again, and, this time, presenting it in front of her very own community.

Starting tonight at 8 p.m., the RTP will showcase at on eight nights, concluding Sunday, November 20 at 2 p.m.  

“It’s just a lovely, timeless classic with beautiful music that everyone can enjoy,” said Frank, who along with her husband Bob, founded RTP four years ago.

“We felt that there wasn’t enough community organization for theatre. Together we are building this in the community.”

The production group, which puts on three shows each year, selects a Shakespeare play to perform in the summer along with a more family-friendly choice in the spring. However, the RTP’s fall shows, allow the producers, directors and actors do something a bit more daring and risky on stage.

The Fantasticks, which has been performed on Broadway since 1960, centers around two neighboring fathers who stage a make-believe grudge between one another in order to coax their children to fall in love.

In addition to inviting adults and children of all ages to come out and view the show, the RTP also encourages individuals to get their feet wet in the art of theater—regardless of their level of experience.

Frank also pointed out that of the eight characters in this month’s show, two are under the age of 18.

“It’s all great and good to have baseball and football and cheerleading, but there’s also theater,” Frank said.

“We really do try and encourage everyone to come out for the first time. A lot of people are scared, so we try to walk them through that practice. We make them feel very much at home, and we don’t force anyone to do anything they aren’t capable of. We just want them to have a good experience.”

For those looking to get a taste of that experience or who are just interested in viewing the shows, visit the RTP’s website at www.reisterstowntheatreproject.com for more information and show times.