‘The Fantasticks’: Harwood stages outdoor musical at Camp Meade
May 1, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Show poster courtesy Harwood Theatre
Harwood Union High School’s theater program presents the musical “The Fantasticks” May 13-15 outdoors at Camp Meade in Middlesex.
The production with its story/lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt enjoys the distinction of world's longest-running musical, originally opening in 1960 off-Broadway and ending its run in 2002.
The plot revolves around two families whose parents trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud. “The show's themes center around the waxing and waning thrill of new love and the different kinds of pain and adventure that are a part of life,” the production’s announcement explains. The show's most-recognized song, "Try to Remember," encourages the audience to think about a simpler time. Though there are some melancholy themes, the show features plenty of comedy such as in "This Plum is Too Ripe" where family get irritated from spending a little too much time together, or when parents believe it is easier to "Plant a Radish" than to raise a child.
Directed by Scott Wiegand and musical director Stefanie Wiegand, the Harwood version is based on a 2006 revival and features a cast of eight students in grades 8 through 11: Wanda Sullivan, Christopher Cummiskey, Abby Holter, Claudia Derryberry, Abigail Leighty, Mia Lapointe, Sadie McKibben and Zoe Blackman.
The updated version of the production also is appropriate for all ages, according to the directors. Director Scott Weigand and music director Stefanie Weigand said they are looking forward to see the community gathered together for live theatre again and “to hear laughter, sighs, cheers, and the applause these students so deserve.”
The annual musical usually is usually performed in April but this year’s production was delayed in order to present it in person using an outdoor space given current COVID-19 precautions. Spectators may not attend if any of the following are true:
* In the last 14 days have been a close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 and have been directed to quarantine by the Department of Health.
* Feel unwell and have symptoms associated with COVID-19.
* Have a body temperature of 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Shows will be held outdoors at Camp Meade with audience members asked to wear masks and allow distance between family groups. While some seating will be available, attendees are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets. Audience capacity will be limited based on current state public health guidelines.
The three performances - Thursday through Saturday - are rain or shine with no rain dates currently planned. Camp Meade also will have a concession stand with refreshments for sale.
Tickets: At the door for a $5 suggested donation, cash or check. Doors at 7 p.m., curtain at 7:30. Runtime is approximately 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. Facebook event is online here.