A 'Fantastick' Show Hits High Street

The Fantasticks, a legendary Broadway hit, is just perfect for the intimate setting High Street space offers, the theater's artistic director Meg Fofonoff says.

The eight-member cast will debut the show Friday at 8 p.m.

The story brings classic elements into its plot - from two lovers finding love, to a villain that tries to get between them and a damsel in distress.

"It is a real portrait of what theater is all about," says Fofonoff. "It is about fantasy versus reality - which is what being on stage is all about."

The fathers of the two lovers are attempting to bring the young man and young woman together, as they pull light-hearted pranks on each other.

"They are just going to bring down the house [with their songs]," Fofonoff says. "[The show is] charming, entertaining and thought-provoking." 

Luisa, the young woman, and Matt, the young man, do in fact fancy each other, however that changes when they realize their fathers arranged their relationship.

Rachel Assaf plays Luisa while Michael Dunavant plays Matt.

"They sing these beautiful songs that are delightful," Fofonoff says.

The show tells a tale of how love is difficult to find - even when it's right in front of you, and the meaning of love grows as one goes through life.

El Gallo, played by Gene Dante, narrates the story and plays the villain, who kidnaps Luisa.

"He tries to mesmerize her and make her fall in love with him," Fofonoff says. "He is very dashing - very alluring."

El Gallo serves as a roadblock to an easy love story - showing Matt that finding - and keeping - love isn't going to be an easy task.

The cast is made up of local talent that Fofonoff has worked with before and three actors traveled from New York City to perform in the show.

The smaller troupe has helped Fofonoff work on the details on the play.

"You have a lot of time to spend about character and refining scenes and talking about the journey they all take together," Fofonoff says. "I love that individual piece."

Fofonoff says she's excited to share the longest running Broadway musical with Dedham-area theatergoers - the first time to her knowledge that a theater has performed The Fantasticks in this market.

"It just keeps you on the edge of your seat every minute," Fofonoff says. "It's this very eclectic mix of different [characters]. It's very entertaining from beginning to end, and there aren't a lot of those in theater."

Click here for show information, including ticket prices.