The Town Players of Newtown are presenting one of the longest-running off Broadway musicals in history, The Fantasticks. Written by Tom Jones with music by Harvey Schmidt, the play was performed night after night for 42 years with good reason. It is immensely appealing, utterly charming, and witty.

Under the direction of Dr Jeff Spector and with gorgeous musical direction by John Prins this oft-told tale has come to life once again at The Little Theatre.

Next door neighbors Luisa (Ruby White) and Matt (Ben Frazer) are young and besotted with each other. Their meetings are clandestine as they fear the wrath of their fathers, yet they persevere.

Luisa’s dad, Bellomy (played by Peter Lerman), and Matt’s dad Hucklebee (Andy Stubbs) bicker and provoke each other and yet, unwittingly, they scheme to create a situation which will cause their children to fall in love. From there the story takes several twists and turns. Where and how the young lovers wind up must be seen in person!

The action is under the control of El Gallo (Ryan Pipke), a powerful and seductive leader who brings all manner of chaos to the lives of these lovers.

Two ne’er-do-well players assist El Gallo in his unseemly plan. These two goofy and disheveled teammates, Henry and Mortimer (Jim Cooper and John Lino Ponzini, respectively), try mightily to throw Luisa and Matt off course. They are at once both funny and frightening. These two are excellent character actors.

A wall between the homes of these families is represented by a real live person, a mute, played by Tony Benedetti, whose side gig is showering people with various forms of confetti, representing the elements. Benedetti plays his character with a droll look, which is perfect.

The opening song of this musical is the familiar and lovely “Try to Remember,” sung by El Gallo. In the hands of Ryan Pipke, it is magical, his voice is resonant and rich.

White is also a gifted and educated vocalist, with excellent comic timing. She plays her Luisa with sincerity and skill.

Frazer, appearing in his first musical, is a delight. The innocence and absence of guile in his character is well played. He also reveals a lovely vocal capacity.

Lerman and Stubbs as the dads are terrific. These two garden-loving curmudgeons are just the right mix of silly, feisty, and kind. They are both fine actors and fun to watch.

This cast works this allegorical tale beautifully, making it moving and memorable. The Saturday night audience was enthralled. Don’t miss it.

Performances continue weekends to November 27, with Friday and Saturday curtain at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.

There is also one Thursday evening performance, also 8 pm, planned for November 18.

Tickets are $30 for the evening shows, $25 for the matinees, and available through newtownplayers.org. The Little Theatre is at 18 Orchard Hill Road.

Performances continue to be sold for 50% capacity, with social distancing guidelines still in place. Cast and crew have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Audience members are required to wear masks. Visit the theater company’s website for additional information.