The all-time longest running off-Broadway musical, “The Fantasticks,” is set to be revived again in Ajijic, directed by a veteran of the San Francisco production and featuring the same trio of local, young singers-actors who, as the show’s producer Jayme Littlejohn says, “enchanted” Lakeside audiences last fall.
“We are so happy, first, to have blended the cultures and second, to cast age-specific talent in these youthful roles,” said Littlejohn, who comes from Minneapolis and has been doing community theater in the Lake Chapala area for three years. She was referring to Christian Garcia, age 17, Marie Claire Figadere, age 16, both of Ajijic, and Eduardo (Lalo) Muñoz-Zuñiga of Guadalajara.
“We didn’t want to cast old gringos to play kids,” joked Littlejohn. “So we had to work with some of the young people on their English and other skills. Tim Welch [the play’s music director] did three or four sessions a week for a month teaching one of them to read music.“Lalo Muñoz-Zuñiga has a stunning voice,” she added. “Marie Claire is beautiful and she has a fine alto voice. And Christian is outstanding as an actor and singer.
Marie Claire, who attends high school in Ajijic and plans to study jazz for vocal performance in Montreal, plays the lead role of Luisa.
“In fifth grade I got in a choir at the Franco-Americano school in Guadalajara for fun,” she said, in perfect English. “A lady told me I had talent and should take voice lessons. I’ve been getting voice coaching for a year from Tim Welch.
“This play has been a wonderful experience,” she added. “I love it. The whole cast is very talented and nice. I love practicing.”
“We are also very pleased to have Roger Larson as director,” producer Littlejohn said, explaining that Larson was involved in the original San Francisco version of “The Fantasticks” for eight years. Distinguished pianist Timothy G. Ruff Welch and Judy Hendrick comprise the orchestra for the musical.
Although the title “The Fantasticks” is familiar to many, the plot and songs are not as well known.
Littlejohn sums up the story. “You don’t ever tire of it. It’s a story about how life takes you on a journey. Sometimes it beats you down. A boy and girl grow up next door to each other, fall in love, then go their separate ways, then come back together.
As for songs, “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” are the best known.
“It’s a play that is often more like poetry, or a parable,” Littlejohn noted.
“The Fantasticks,” Friday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m.; Monday, March 4, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), Rio Bravo 10, Ajijic. Tickets 250 pesos, available at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutique, and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tickets may be sold at door.