The Fantasticks (DVD)

I am not a true fan of Schmidt and Jones musicals. But lets face it, The Fantasticks has left it's mark in the history of the American Musical. Since it's original opening in New York on May 3, 1960, (and over 15,000 performances later) It has been produced by every community college, community theatre, high school drama department and regional theatre, at least once. I have seen so many bad productions of this stage musical that it has left a bad taste in my mouth. However, when I heard a movie was being made of the stage play, of course, I had to see it. The cast is made up of a few veterans as well as newcomers. Joel Grey, Barnard Hughes, Jean Louisa Kelly, Joseph McIntyre, Jonathon Morris, Brad Sullivan and Teller (the mute end of magician team, Penn and Teller, and a true hysteric in this movie). The direction of this film (by Michael Ritchie) is fast paced, lovely to look at and certainly tells the story in a way that made me want to see a "good" produciton of the stage play. However, it's weakness is the performers themselves. Joel Grey is not evenly matched with his counter weight Bernard Hughes as the matchmaking fathers. Jean Louisa Kelly and Joseph McIntyre are lost in the production as Matt and Louisa. And the role of El Gallo could have been cast with a stonger actor (considering Jerry Orbach originated the role, it would have been a great homage to find an equal talent). But the most heartbreaking of all is how the script had to be "updated" for a "politically correct" era. All the marvels of the "staged romance" had to be snuffed due to the questionable content and text of the "romatic rape" song. BUT... as part of the DVD, the director staged the entire number as it was ment to be scene and placed in the "special features" so all is not lost. I do not recomend this DVD to everyone. Only those "die hard" fans of the American Musical. It doesn't matter if you like this show or not, hate this movie or love it... you can not call yourself a true lover of the American Musical unless you have this DVD in your collection. If anything, to use as a reference for those endless "then and now" party conversations about Broadway musicals.

Anybody who loves the simplicity of the stage production will probably hate this movie adaptation. Multiple real life sets, and locations take away every bit of charm. Trying to bring this theatrically brilliant show into real life, does nothing but detract from the original concept.

The acting is bad. Neither of the kids are likable enough to make us feel at all interested in their story. Putting an actor who can't sing or dance in the role of Huckleby, means that Joel Grey as Bellamy has to scale back his talents to match his partner's lack. El Gallo seems to be channeling his inner Brando, minus the passion and talent that could make that work. The best of Teller's lines as Mortimer ended up on the cutting room floor, but you can see them in the out takes. His death scene was the brightest spot in the film, but it's not enough to make this thing enjoyable.

The replacement of the rape song with a huge cast singing and miming a number called "Theatrical Abductions" doesn't come anywhere near the fun of the original.

I'm appalled that the author/songwiters turned their billion dollar baby over to this misguided director, inappropriate cast, and overblown production values.

If you wan't to "Try to Remember" the sweetness, goofiness, and charm that was "The Fantasticks" experience, avoid this movie like the plauge!

I got this DVD because I've proposed staging the play to my producers and wanted to show them what it was like but decided it wasn't going to help me sell them on it.

What a let-down for anyone who saw the play during its 42-year run in NYC. Director Ritchie's decision to flesh out this famously minimalist musical quickly goes awry. Most songs have had at least a verse cut and some (Plant a Radish) were left entirely on the cutting room floor. Jean Louisa Kelly is a lovely Louisa and Joey McIntyre a creditable Matt. Barnard Hughes and Joel Grey are, of course, money but Jonathon Morris is miscast as El Gallo and shows little panache in the role.

This was a strange musical. I don't know that I will view it very often. About a carnival that comes to town and 2 dads who try to get their kids interested in each other. They experience much of the 'outside' life only to find that home life was better. The music was ok.

Love the Music from this Broadway classic.


This film sadly does not deliver .


Better to buy CD music from old shows .

Joel Grey is fine.
Best by far is Jean Louisa Kelly.
She is stunning and a great voice.
Her performance in Mr.Holland's Opus is wonderful.
{ singing >Someone To Watch Over Me} is as good as it gets.

She stars on TV in sitcom "Yes Dear"......

OK, not everyone likes this musical play, but I do. I also greatly enjoyed the movie version, which features a very strong cast headed by Jonathon Morris, who really looks and acts the part of El Gallo. However, I am extremely upset by some of the cuts made by Francis Ford Coppola, particularly deletion of the gorgeous opening "Try to Remember" rendition by Morris as the circus caravan drives into town. Don't watch it without first going to "deleted scenes" to play this fitting opening which should have been left in.

The classic Cinderella story with a twist comes to life in the film. It lacks the intimacy of the off-Broadway play and live actors, but it touches the heart anyway and captures the now retired Joel Gray's portrayal brilliantly.

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I love NKOTB so naturally wanted everything and anything that was to do with the guys.. gotten most of Donnie Wahlberg movies and his brother's and now trying to gett some of Joey McIntyre's... anyways I do love Musicals ever since I saw my first Broadway play 2 years ago on a field trip to N.Y.C it was hairspray... I had just signed up to go to get out of school for a day and man was I glad I did... I loved it so much and had a wonderful day in NY... I also went to following year again to see curtains... now I have the movie hairspray and wanted to see this one... Joey McIntyre was amazing just wish I could have seen him on Broadway in Wicked... anyways if you love joey mac and musicals then get a copy!!! well worth it

Not my favorite movie, can't see why it ran so long on Broadway. The service was fine. We got it in good time. The disc was clean and it runs well.