Parker Players announces auditions for The Fantasticks, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by Harvey Schmidt, direction by Jennifer McHugh, music direction by Ron Arden.

"Try To Remember" when The Fantasticks wasn't enchanting audiences around the world. A timeless fable of love that manages to be both nostalgic and universal, The Fantasticks is the longest running production of any kind in the history of American Theatre. The Fantasticks is lyrical and romantic, telling an allegorical love story about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that, "without a hurt, the heart is hollow."

AVAILABLE ROLES:
The Narrator (El Gallo): A rakish, handsome, sophisticated gallant and narrator of the show. He is warm, cordial, and inviting to the audience, but has his own darker moments. He aids the performers in orchestrating the story. Stage Age: 30 to 50. Baritone.

The Girl (Luisa): A button-maker's young and pretty daughter, she is a romantic idealist who falls in love with Matt. She is naive, yet honest and tender. Stage Age: 18 to 25. Soprano.

The Boy (Matt): An innocent, young man who is searching for love and adventure. A bright guy, but naive and even foolish at times, approaching situations with a false bravado. Stage Age: 18 to 25. Baritone.

The Boy's Father (Hucklebee): A former boisterous navy man and meticulous gardener who fakes a fight with Bellomy in hopes of getting their children to fall in love. Stage Age: 40 to 60. Baritone.

The Girl's Father (Bellomy): A fastidious button-maker and also a picky gardener who fakes a fight with Hucklebee in hopes of getting their children together. Stage Age: 40 to 60. Baritone.

The Actor (Henry): An aging, over-the-top Thespian who specializes in reciting Shakespeare, he is a commedia clown; his world is the stage and he knows no other reality. Stage Age: 50 to 70

The Man Who Dies (Mortimer): Henry's goofy sidekick and another former actor who specializes in stage deaths. A commedia clown, his world is the stage and he does not live in reality. Stage Age: 40 to 60.

The Mute: A speechless presence who watches, acts as the wall, and deals with props; the "invisible" stage assistant. Should be able to easily assist in the story or fade into the background unnoticed. Ageless.

Auditions will be held at Campus Life Center 150 S Lageschulte St Barrington, IL 60010