The Fantasticks: Edward Watts to play 'El Gallo'

Edward Watts, most recently seen on Broadway in 'Finian's Rainbow,' will assume the role of 'El Gallo' in the Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks on 22 Mar 2010. He assumes the role from Lewis Cleale, who will play his final performance 14 Mar 2010.

Watts' other credits include 'Joe' in 'The Most Happy Fella '(New York City Opera), 'Enjolras' in 'Les Miserables' and 'Adam Pontipee' in 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' (national tours), 'Thomas Jefferson' in '1776' (Goodspeed Opera), 'Carl-Magnus' in 'A Little Night Music' (Michigan Opera Theater), 'Captain Von Trapp' in 'The Sound of Music' (Lyric Theater of Oklahoma), 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,' 'Camelot' and 'Annie Get Your Gun' (Music Theater of Wichita).

The Fantasticks tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers, but soon grows restless and stray from one another. Will their separation provide a deeper appreciation for the love they once shared or create a permanent gulf between them?

Featuring the beloved songs "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," The Fantasticks is a celebration of love -first love, lost love and true love.

The Fantasticks currently features Lewis Cleale (El Gallo), Erik Altemus (Matt), MacIntyre Dixon (Henry), Tom Flagg, Gene Jones (Hucklebee), Matt Leisy (The Mute), Michael Nostrand (Mortimer), Evy Ortiz, Steve Routman (Bellomy), Kimberly Whalen (Luisa) and Scott Willis.

Produced by Terzetto LLC, Pat Flicker Addiss and MARS Theatricals, The Fantasticks features scenic and costume design by Ed Wittstein, lighting design by Mary Jo Dondlinger and sound design by Domonic Sack.

This musical love story features music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. Jones also directs The Fantasticks, which was originally directed by Word Baker.

The musical comedy originally opened at New York's Sullivan Street Playhouse on the 3 May 1960 and played 17,162 performances before closing on the 13 Jan 2002, making it the world's longest running musical

The musical is playing at The Snapple Theater Center where it is currently selling tickets through to 30 Jun 2010.