Published: September 16, 2009 09:19 pm      

SHSU Theatre group to open season with ‘The Fantasticks’

“The Fantasticks,” book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, is the first production of the Sam Houston State University Department of Theatre and Dance’s 2009-2010 season.

The show opens on Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. and runs through Saturday, Sept. 26 in the University Theatre Center’s Showcase theatre. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Directed by SHSU Theatre faculty member Dr. Laura Avery, “The Fantasticks” is the world’s longest running musical. It is the story of a boy, Matt (Joe Shepherd) and a girl, Luisa (Laura DeBose) who are involved in various misadventures as they try to find true love. Audiences may remember classic musical numbers from the show such as “Try to Remember” and “Soon it’s Gonna Rain.”

The cast includes SHSU musical theatre majors Kendrick Mitchell (El Gallo), Aaron Gaines (Mute), John Ryan Del Bosque (Bellomy), and Randall Carpenter (Mortimer), as well as, SHSU theatre majors Jordan Muller (Henry) and Addison Roush (Hucklebee).

The lights are designed by senior theatre major Carrie Barton. The set design is by junior theatre major Kayce Walters, sophomore theatre major Seth Bales is sound designer and senior theatre major Aaron Kays is costume designer. Senior theatre major Faith Looten is stage managing.

Tickets are $8 for general admission. Group rates are available. Children under the age of three will not be admitted.

For more information, call the University Theatre Center box office at (936) 294-1339.