Tom Jones, the renowned lyricist, director, and writer responsible for the iconic musical “The Fantasticks,” which held the distinction of being the longest-running musical in history, has passed away at the age of 95. Jones passed away at his residence in Sharon, Connecticut, on Friday due to cancer. Confirmed by Dan Shaheen, a co-producer of “The Fantasticks,” who had collaborated with Jones since the 1980s.
Tom Jones and composer Harvey Schmidt collaborated on several Broadway productions. Including “The Fantasticks,” “110 in the Shade,” and “I Do! I Do!” Jones’s notable achievements led to his induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Fantasticks
Despite its seemingly simple setup featuring a platform, poles, a curtain, and a wooden box, “The Fantasticks,” which is based on an obscure play by Edmond Rostand. However, defied expectations to become a historic hit. The musical, a satirical take on “Romeo and Juliet,” revolves around a young couple. Clandestinely brought together by their fathers, and a collection of eccentric characters.
Numerous actors graced the production, from its inaugural 1960 cast that included Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner. To notable figures like Ricardo Montalban, Kristin Chenoweth, and Santino Fontana, star of “Frozen.” The show’s enduring excellence was recognized with Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1991.
Reflecting on the show’s consistent appeal, Jones remarked to The Associated Press in 2013, “So many people have come, and this thing stays the same — the platform, the wooden box, the cardboard moon. We just come and do our little thing and then we pass on.”
For nearly four decades and two years, the production maintained its presence at the intimate 153-seat Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village. Ultimately, in 2002, after an astonishing 17,162 performances, the show concluded its run. The decision to close was influenced by a combination of factors, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks that severely impacted downtown New York City and the prevailing shift toward a more edgy theatrical atmosphere.
Tom Jones’s remarkable legacy in the world of theater and his indelible contribution to “The Fantasticks” will continue to be celebrated by the arts community and audiences worldwide.