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By John Posada

originally published: 11/10/2022 

(BURLINGTON CITY, NJ) -- Bridge Players Theatre Company is currently presenting their first full-length, in-person production since 2020!  The beloved musical The Fantasticks has four performances from Thursday, November 10-13 at the Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts in Burlington. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

First produced in 1960 and running off-Broadway until 2002, The Fantasticks is the world’s longest-running musical.  It features music by Harvey Schmidt and book/lyrics by Tom Jones and includes classic songs such as “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” 

Loved the world over, this charming, intimate musical centers on a boy, a girl, and the wall that keeps them apart and brings them together.  

Director Brian S. Rothman of Philadelphia has assembled a wonderful cast of local performers, including Tim Kirk of Riverside as El Gallo, the mysterious bandit; Felix Ramos of Burlington Township as Matt the boy; Marissa DiPilla-Clendaniel of Warminster, PA (formerly of Delran) as Luisa, the girl; Lori Gilmore of Palmyra as Bellomy, Luisa’s mother; Dominic Gullo of Haddonfield as Hucklebee, Matt’s father; Ethan Rundell of Glassboro as Henry, an actor; Michael Gilbert of Riverton as Mortimer, Henry’s sidekick; and Allyssa Winkelspecht of Burlington City as The Mute.

“With its poetic book and breezy, innovative score, it's no wonder that the original run played off-Broadway for 42 years.  I am absolutely thrilled to lead this spectacular cast and crew in bringing this ageless story to our stage for our first live performance in over two years, in partnership with Lyceum Hal,” says Rothman. “I was first introduced to this show in my early 20s, when I was cast as The Boy. Being young at the time, it took a while for me to understand what it was about.  As I've matured, so has my understanding of this show. I’ve come to realize that it truly is the perfect little musical.  Whether young or old, everyone can identify with this timeless tale.” 

 

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The show is produced by Lindsey Kilchesty of Burlington City, and Jessi Meisel of Glassboro is both assistant director and choreographer. Diana Dohrmann of Willingboro serves as musical director, Terri McIntyre of Runnemede is fight choreographer, Regina Deavitt of Philadelphia is stage manager, and Bob Beaucheane of Philadelphia is technical director.

“Bridge Players is grateful and excited for the opportunity to present this lovely show in the beautiful Lyceum Hall,” said Gina Petti, President of Bridge Players’ board.  “The Fantasticks is hopefully just one of the many collaborations between our two Burlington City organizations.”

Show dates/times: November 10, 11 and 12 at 8:00pm; November 13 at 3:00pm.  Tickets are $20 for all performances. For tickets, and to learn more about Bridge Players Theatre Company, please visit www.bridgeplayerstheatre.com.

Here are more photos from the production.

Bridge Players Theatre Company, based in Burlington, New Jersey, is dedicated to presenting high quality, affordable theatrical productions to the community. They encourage an active and diverse membership by creating opportunities, both on and off stage, for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, inviting all to celebrate their individual talents and their mutual passion for live theatre.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.