Under the stars, ‘The Fantasticks’ takes a bow
May 22, 2021 | By Waterbury RoundaboutClick photos to enlarge.
Three nights, three shows. Outside from sunset until the stars and moon provided house lights, Harwood Union Theatre presented the classic, “The Fantasticks” musical at Camp Meade last weekend. Students in the small cast mastered COVID-19 protocols to bring rehearsals together in person and perform together on stage with masks that allowed for microphones to be positioned carefully. Sets and props were at a minimum. The pit orchestra boiled down to Music Director Stefanie Weigand and Alison Cerutti providing accompaniment. An understanding audience embraced the outdoor togetherness at the Middlesex venue. And somehow, it all worked.
Below is a message from Director Scott Weigand, shared in the online-only program:
What a year and a half it has been. Yes, it’s been that long since Harwood last presented live theatre. When the opportunity to perform at Camp Meade came up, we jumped at it. It is an amazing feeling to be able to get these kids onstage and hear them sing. In these wild times there is nothing better than community gathering, and we are happy it can be for this show!
Not only am I happy to present live theatre, I am happy to present this show! A longtime favorite of mine, “The Fantasticks” is a simple show that deals with the complex feeling of love. Its stripped-down sets, costumes, and props are all on purpose, so that we can focus on the beauty of life, and the love within it. That’s what keeps me going: the love of family, my kids, my community, and my love of theatre!
Many things will be hard to get back after the past year, so today I will advocate for the thing I am personally connected to: live performance. Venues, technicians, and performers are all starting to see the return of the work they have had to give up since last March. These people, who pour their hearts and souls into the art of empathy, entertainment, and soul-filling will be working tirelessly this summer to regain the feeling of fulfillment they get from live performance. So support them, show them they’ve been missed, go see an outdoor concert, support live theatre, donate to an arts organization. The arts are important, now more than ever.