Michael lluberes
THE FANTASTICKS
THE FANTASTICKS
Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones
Music by Harvey Schmidt
Directed by Michael Lluberes
2022 Reimagined LGBTQ+ Version Premiere
Flint Repertory Theatre
With a fresh new rewrite by book writer and lyricist Tom Jones, in collaboration with director Michael Lluberes, the young lovers at the center of the story are re-imagined as two young men. The Fantasticks is a funny and beautiful allegory about falling in love and growing up. We couldn’t be more excited to share this new interpretation of the longest-running musical in history.
CAST: Jason Briggs, Ben Cherry, Janet Haley, Diane Hill, Neil McCaffrey, Richard Payton, Jeremiah Porter, Catherine Shaffner
Choreography by Brad Willcuts
Musical Direction by Brian E. Buckner
Scenic Design by Shane Cinal
Costume Design by Brandon R. McWilliams
Lighting Design by Chelsie McPhillimy
Stage Manager: Melissa Collins
Photos by Mike Naddeo
*Wilde Award for BEST MUSICAL
*Wilde Award for BEST DIRECTOR
*Jim Posante LGBTQ Community Pride Award
VIDEO CHAT BETWEEN WRITER TOM JONES AND DIRECTOR MICHAEL LLUBERES ABOUT REWRITING THE SHOW
PRESS:
“Stunning! …A new same-sex revision of the classic Off-Broadway musical, with tweaks by original lyricist/librettist Tom Jones, may work even better than the original boy-girl version.” - American Theatre Magazine
“This show is a triumph in pumping new life and oxygen into this timeless play. …This production of The Fantasticks cements The Flint Rep as one of the leading lights of regional theatre in the country.” - Encore Michigan
“Fantastic adaptation of “The Fantasticks” celebrates a new perspective!”
“It should have a future. I hope we see plenty more productions of The Fantasticks with the gay element and I hope that they could possibly be as good as this one was.”
-Peter Filicia, This Week on Broadway
How the Original ‘Fantasticks’ Lyricist Crafted an LGBTQ+ Reimagining of the Play for Michigan Audiences - Pride Source
Flint Repertory Theatre to offer new take on world’s longest-running musical
See Inside Flint Repertory Theatre's Production of The Fantasticks - Playbill.com
Tom Jones Revises The Fantasticks for a LGBTQIA Production - Theatre Mania
The Flint Rep celebrates PRIDE Month with a historic reimagined version of "The Fantasticks" - FlintSide
The Fantasticks: The Boys Next Door - Peter Filichia for Broadway Select
Flint Rep Presents Revived Version of “The Fantasticks” -Flint Stages
Flint Repertory Theatre makes history with an LGBTQIA+ take on the world’s longest-running musical - East Village Magazine
First Look at the New LGBTQ+ THE FANTASTICKS at Flint Repertory Theatre