Timp Arts Presents: “The Fantasticks” • Valentine Theater • April 16, 2026
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photographed by Jane Smith
“The Fantasticks”, known as the World’s Longest Running Musical, presented by Timp Arts, will be playing at The Valentine Theater in American Fork through April 25. This all-time beloved musical began Off-Broadway in the 1960s and ran for 17,162 performances until 2002. It was then revived from 2006 to 2017. Over the years, The Fantasticks cast has included notable Broadway actors such as Jerry Orbach, Burke Moses, and Rita Gardner, to name a few. I really enjoy this musical. I adored the Timp Arts production.
Before I completely get into my review, I’ll give you some of my background with the show (I’m sure you’re dying to know). I unfortunately never got to see one of the 17,162 performances of the original run. I did, however, get to see the revival in 2007. Sara Jean Ford, the original revival Luisa, is a former classmate of mine. She invited me and some mutual friends to see the production. The revival was directed by none other than the lyricist himself, Tom Jones. Jones also played Henry (The Old Actor) in the production I saw. If my camera hadn’t been stolen, I would have included a photo I had taken with Mr. Jones. I guess you’ll just have to believe me that it happened.
Around this same time, I had the privilege of playing “El Gallo”. The character and this musical hold a special place in my heart. I was eager to see how the show was staged and how Will Gardner would portray “El Gallo.”
The beautiful thing about The Fantasticks is that it is almost always played with a “live orchestra.” I put that in quotes because the orchestra consists of only two instruments, a piano and a harp. Listening to the music composed by Harvey Schmitt throughout the show, it’s hard to believe that what we’re hearing is only two instruments. These instruments filled the Valentine Theater and gave this production a fullness of color. Kimberly Harlods on piano and Kari Rundlett on harp played masterfully throughout the opening night performance.
The Fantasticks cast consists (say that three times fast! Ready? Go!) of only eight members. But, similar to the orchestra, the size of the cast doesn’t seem to match the action taking place on stage. What’s interesting to me is how the show seems to break this cast up into teams of two. While, yes, there are many times that the entire cast is on stage in ensemble performances, in the bulk of what they do, they’re paired off with another actor.
Justin Anderson as Henry and Eliza Stevenson as Mortimer, respectively, stole the show as far as comedic performance is concerned. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. Not only in the spots where we’re meant to laugh. Such as Henry misquoting Shakespeare, or Mortimer’s melodramatic death scenes. Those moments were hilarious. But where I found myself often laughing were the subtle things these actors would do throughout their time on stage that might go unnoticed. They had some amazing bits of business that had me cracking up. They were excellent casting choices for these parts.
The two fathers, Scott Mason as Huckabee and Wayne Keller III as Belomy, also paired nicely. These parts call for us to believe they can be rivals and best friends. Sometimes at the same time. I thought they brought an additional comedic element to the show.
Brynn Hartley as Luisa and Jensen Bean as Matt, respectively, had a special connection as the romantic leads of the musical. They had great chemistry together on stage. And in the moments when they were separated and on the stage without the other, there was still a tie between them that left us wondering what would happen with the other half of the story. Hartley did an excellent job of endearing us to the character while still portraying Luisa as a daydreaming romantic. Bean played Matt with perfect simplicity. We root for him during his difficult moments in the second act, while admiring his pleasant demeanor throughout.
Now, The Mute and Ell Gallo would appear to be the characters that are integrated into the show in a more individual way. Seemingly so. But my opinion is that these two are the most conjoined throughout the production. Both as outside observers and characters who interject themselves into the story. To me, neither of these two characters can do what they do without the other. Because of that, I hold my largest applause for these two actors.
Addilynn Bowler as The Mute does everything. From moving set pieces to playing percussion, Bowler is everywhere throughout the show. For a character who never speaks, Addilynn says so much in her performance. I thought she was funny, charming, and ever-present without upstaging anyone. That is not an easy task. I thought she nailed the role.
I will admit, I had Will Gardner as El Gallo under a microscope. Not as much in a critical way, although there was some of that, I suppose. But I think when you’ve played a part, it’s difficult not to see the role differently. I personally know what it takes to perform as El Gallo, so my main interest was to see what Gardner would do rather than criticize or compare. This character can be played many ways. I was fascinated by the way Gardner portrayed his El Gallo. There was a boldness at times. At other times, a sadness.
El Gallo is responsible for so much of the pacing and delivery of this show. I thought Will Gardner did a (oh no, I’m going to say it. I can’t help it. Please understand) fantastic job as El Gallo. As I looked around the theater, I could see people drawn into his performance. I was very impressed by what I saw.
The Fantasticks has a very simple staging. Every production I’ve ever seen keeps things pretty close to the original. A small platform, some posts, a couple of ladders, and a few chests. While this production did include those staging elements, I thought director Kacey Spadafora did a wonderful job of keeping true to the classic staging, including simple additions of gardens and trees, which added so much to the viewer’s experience.
There is very little about this production that I can make a negative critique of. I think I only have two things I’d mention. And one I’d happily retract if it’s on me. I thought Henry could have used a better bald cap. I’m pretty sure he’s supposed to be bald. And we can see his hair through the cap they’re using. If that’s part of the joke, then I will take this back. That’s on me. Otherwise, I think it could have been better. The only other thing I want to mention is that after the show is “over,” the stage crew walks on stage as the orchestra still plays. I know it’s not the biggest deal, but I think an orchestra, however small, and however many patrons begin to depart, deserves the respect of being able to finish the score before the crew comes out.
As I mentioned, The Fantasticks is a favorite of mine. Seeing productions of favorite shows can be risky. Expectations can be too high. I’m guilty of going onto shows I enjoy with expectations that are too high. It’s not fair to those particular productions. That being said, I was more than pleased with this production of The Fantasticks. The choreography by Chantelle Wells was so creative and entertaining. Ashley Murillo Coombs, the music director, had the cast and orchestra finely tuned and wonderfully harmonized. I just thought from top to bottom, this production was so fun. GO SEE IT!
* * * * * *
The Fantasticks plays at The Valentine Theater in American Fork. The show is suitable for audiences of all ages. I highly recommend seeing this show. For show and ticket information, click here!