For Immediate Release: March 10, 2007
Media Contact: Judy Walker, Mum Puppettheatre, 215.925.8686

“…if you remember, then follow.” Mum Puppettheatre welcomes Spring with its production of The Fantasticks, book and lyrics by Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones, opening April 11. Barrymore Award-winner Aaron Cromie directs this classic story of star-crossed love, told with a fresh new perspective. A fable of fantasy since it first premiered almost 50 years ago, Mum’s production uses puppets and novel orchestration to bring to life a story of true innocence in a cynical age. Especially noteworthy in this production is the work of New York Times illustrator Chris Sickels, who created eight incredible puppets. The Fantasticks runs April 11 through May 6 at Mum Puppettheatre, 115 Arch Street, in Philadelphia’s Old City. Tickets are $30 and are available by phone at 215.925.7686 or online at www.mumpuppet.org. (Previews April 3 – 10.)

The Fantasticks marks Mum’s second musical production, as well as the regional theatre directorial debut of Aaron Cromie, well-known both in the Philadelphia theatre community and nationally as actor, designer, puppeteer, writer and now, director. “Using puppets in this production of The Fantasticks enables us to frame the story in an entirely new way,” explained Cromie. “Most productions of this show try to emulate the original. The Mum production definitely offers another perspective; it promises to enchant, not only through the exquisite puppets, but through the new design approach and musical instrumentation.”

The puppets in this production are unique works of art. Renowned illustrator Chris Sickels was commissioned to design the characters for The Fantasticks. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Business Week, Village Voice and other publications.

“We always look at using the work of sculptors to introduce audiences to the idea that when art moves in real time, it has a real effect on them.” explained Robert Smythe, Mum Puppettheatre Artistic Director. “For years Chris Sickels has captivated viewers with the arresting images that he has placed in his nationally-published work. We thought it would be exciting to commission someone of Chris’s stature to create puppets for theatre. The results are amazing!” (Puppet design: Red Nose Studio)

Director Cromie has assembled a talented cast. Bev Appleton (Of Mice and Men, Twelfth Night) plays El Gallo. Kim Carson (Beauty Is, Side by Side with Sondheim) depicts Luisa. Austin Durant (Hamlet, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Berkshire Theatre Festival) takes on the role of Bellamy. Chris Faith (The Seduction of Sheila Valentine, The Secret Garden –Off Broadway) portrays Hucklebee. Dave Jadico (Richard III, Madwoman of Chaillot) takes on the roles of The Mute, Henry and Mortimer. University of Arts senior Artie Sievers (understudy in Nerds) makes his debut as Matt.

“We are so excited about our second musical production!” noted Managing Director Lisa Shelby. “The use of these marvelous puppets in our intimate theater will create an unforgettable experience for patrons.”

Mum Puppettheatre creates art that moves. The company has toured all over the world, won 13 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre, and was voted Best Theater in Philadelphia Weekly (2004), and Best Local Theatre Company in the City Paper’s Readers Choice Awards, (2004).

Mum Puppettheatre will also be holding three Fantastick celebrations around this production: An Opening Night Gala on April 11 (tickets $150), A Fantastic Fête (tickets $75) on April 21 and a Fantastick Brunch (tickets $65) on April 29. Call Mum Puppettheatre (215.925.8686) or visit us on the web www.mumpuppet.org for more information!

Performance dates/times/costs: See website for complete show times, ticket pricing and availability: www.mumpuppet.org or call 215-925-7686.

The Fantasticks runs April 11 – May 6, 2007. Tickets are $30. Performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00p.m.

Coffee and conversation with the artists will follow Thursday evening performances.

Previews run from April 3-10. Preview tickets range from $1-$7.

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