The FANTASTICKS – Ruskin Group Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
This charming tale of enchantment beautifully conveys the young character’s dreams of love, romance, and seeing the world with idealized eyes. A lot of Shakespeare is embedded in the plot, which gives us a sense that Shakespeare’s plays have lots of comedy, tragedy, romance, drama, trickery and poetry. During this musical we experience an actual sword fight too. As in Romeo and Juliet, the swords symbolize the destructiveness of a family feud. How telling!
The creators of THE FANTASTICKS, Tom Jones (Book & Lyrics) and Harvey Schmidt (Music), are clearly pointing out the contrast between idealized and real-world experiences. The story takes us into the delightful world of a sixteen-year-old girl, Luisa (Sophie Pollono) who is starting to notice a change in her appearance. It is a time when young girls feel special, even princess-like, and start dreaming of being kissed. Hearing the words ‘I Love You’ for the first time is overwhelming for the girl and for the boy, Matt (Rhett Hemmingway) who is saying it. In the first act, we can blame the romantic behavior on the moon making the world an enchanting place, and the fantasy idyllic. As that cardboard moon subsides and the heat of the sun brings clarity, the narrator says, “the play is not done until we’ve all of us been burned a bit and burnished by the sun.” Thus, the second act brings reality showing the stark difference between the romantic ideal of love and the reality of relationships within the challenges of life. This theme infers that working through difficulties is necessary for growth and maturity.
Produced by John Ruskin, Michael R. Myers, and Jennifer Pollono, this enchanting multi-award-winning musical, with an unforgettable score, is skillfully directed by Elina de Santos. Their production clearly reveals why The Fantastics is the longest running musical in the world. For a limited run, it plays in Santa Monica’s Ruskin Group Theatre, where these talented actors present the story within the terms of the 21st Century, allowing the magic of using the masks to change the outcome of the moments.
I am not sure who to praise first? All the actors are magnificent: Michael D. Cohen as Bellomy, Danny Bernardo as El Gallo, Rhett Hemingway as Matt – the boy, Kiel Kennedy as Hucklebee, Sophie Pollono as Luisa – the girl, Michael Redfield as Mortimer, Raven Scott as Mute, and John Wuchte as Henry. With their powerful singing voices and excellent comic timing, the actors present the story with creativity and wit, making it profoundly gratifying. The original classic is infused with fresh insights and imagination – which gives the story even more beauty. Everything is orchestrated by a great magician (El Gallo) and his cute assistant (The Mute – totally adorable with her black hat, glittery pants, and the red jacket). Although mute, she says so much with her actions and expressions. Emotionally infused, Louisa and Matt sing their hearts out and their emotions felt.
The costumes are colorful and creatively put together, and watching the musicians playing that heavenly music is enchanting. During some parts, the actors hold, what looks to be, uncomfortable tableaus for quite a long time. Very impressive! If you wish to have a fun afternoon or evening, filled with laughter and great vocals, this musical is highly recommendable.
The Creatives are Bruce Goodrich (Scenic Design), Michael Redfield, (Sound Design/Music Director), Matt Richter (Lighting Design), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Jen Riley/Elisa Green (Costumes), and Nicole Millar (Production Stage Manager). Terrific job!
The play runs at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays; 2pm Sundays through August 24, 2025. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $45 (student/senior discounts available; groups 10+ $33) and can be purchased in advance at www.ruskingrouptheatre.com or by calling (310) 397-3244. Run time is approximately 120 minutes (including one 10-minute intermission). Free parking available on-site.
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