‘The Fantasticks’ sets Broadway premiere; cast announced

Broadway cast includes Ruthie Ann Miles, Zane Phillips and more

NEW YORK — After decades as an Off-Broadway favorite, The Fantasticks is finally heading to Broadway.

Second Stage Theater has announced the complete cast for the musical’s Broadway premiere. Previews begin October 22 at the Hayes Theater. Opening night is set for November 16.

Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli will direct and choreograph the new production.

A starry cast takes on the classic musical

The cast includes Maxim Chlumecky as Matt and Nathan Levy as Lewis. Meanwhile, Ruthie Ann Miles will play Bessie Mae Bellomy, while Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer takes on Mildred Hucklebee.

Zane Phillips will make his Broadway debut as El Gallo. In addition, Kevin del Aguila will play Mortimer, David Patrick Kelly will appear as Henry and Ahmad Simmons will play The Mute.

A Broadway first for The Fantasticks

Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt created The Fantasticks, which opened Off-Broadway in 1960. Remarkably, the original production ran for 42 years and became the longest-running musical in the world.

Yet despite that extraordinary history, the show has never played Broadway.

Now, the new production brings the beloved musical to Broadway with a revised book and lyrics by Jones and music by Schmidt. The story follows two young men, their mothers and an elaborate scheme designed to make the pair fall in love.

The creative team also includes scenic designer Jason Sherwood, costume designer Linda Cho, lighting designer Jen Schriever and sound designer Nevin Steinberg.

The Fantasticks begins previews October 22 and opens November 16 at the Hayes Theater, 240 West 44th Street, New York City. The limited engagement runs for 15 weeks.

Tickets are available through 2ST.com and https://fantasticksbroadway.com/

.