The Fantasticks: Tom Jones to rerise role of 'Harry'

Tom Jones, the lyricist and book writer of The Fantasticks, will reprise the role of Henry (The Old Actor) in The Fantasticks, the world's longest-running musical, in celebration of the show's 50th anniversary. Jones originated the role in 1960 when the musical premiered at The Sullivan Street Playhouse.

Jones, whose first performance will take place on 26 Apr 2010, will appear in the production under the stage name Thomas Bruce, the name he used while first playing the role. The Fantasticks will turn 50 on 3 May 2010.

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 now features Edward Watts (El Gallo), Erik Altemus (Matt), Tom Jones (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 21 Nov 2010.