By ROGER SMITH

Fantastic: Something, such as an invention, that is a creation of the fancy. (www.answers.com).

"The Fantasticks" offers at least two opportunities for thought: "Good fences make good neighbors," thank you Mr. Frost or "Familiarity breeds contempt," St. Augustine, et. al.

The story revolves around two fathers who want their children to fall in love, so they erect a wall to keep them apart based on the premise of telling them not to put beans in their ears. The youths go to the wall, fall in love, become familiar with each other and, one more time: The better we know people, the more likely we are to find fault with them. Once they discover their fathers' plot, The Girl begins to think that The Boy had been taller, and he begins to fine fault with her. It goes from there. They separately explore the world and eventually return to each other. Happy Ending!

One of the nice things about reviewing local theater for more than a decade is the opportunity I have had to watch actors grow, sometimes from youngsters to fine young adults. The cast of "The Fantasticks," currently offered at Straw Hat Theatre at the Ashtabula Arts Center, boasts three such youngsters.

Tessa White, in the role of The Mute, is amazing in her ability to converse with the audience without uttering a sound. Not only is White on stage, but she very ably served as the chorographer for the production. If my memory serves, Zach Wiita, began his arts center work with mostly backstage work, peppered with some cameo roles. Now, as The Man Who Dies (an actor who basically portrays an American Indian), Wiita extracts laughs and guffaws from the audience every time he is on stage.

Neil Meloro, a vocal musiceducation major at Youngstown State, struts his stuff as he sings the role of The Boy in this show. I was amazed at the difference in his voice since the last time I heard him. Kudos go to our Straw Hat at the arts center for providing a training ground for our young people for 41 years .

Mark Pendleton (The Narrator/El Gallo) offers one of his best-ever portrayals in this production. His vocal range fits the songs, but what makes his performance is his "at easiness" with the role; he makes it fun for the audience to watch. Clay Nielsen and Jonathan Rose, in the roles of The Fathers, are convincing and entertaining. They do a fine job of explaining in word and song just how frustrating and rewarding it can be to be parents.

Quite often there is one actor who, by virtue of just being on stage, steals the show. Such is the case with Curtiss Barron as he plays the role of The Actor. His performance, alone, is worth the cost of the ticket.

Someone to be watched is Caitlin Rose. A junior at Madison High School, she belies her own youthfulness with her stage presence. Her voice has the potential to take her anywhere she wants to go. Rose has masterful vocal control, volume and range. However, she sometimes exhibits a nasality that is common among young singers. As her vocal training continues, her tones will round, and then the sky should be the limit for this young lady. You heard it first here!

"The Fantasticks" is time well spent. It is fun, laughable and will bring back tunes to your head. For those who might want to know, the Canadian Soldiers didn't show up at the tent when I was there on opening night. This delightful show runs tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Curtain time is 8. Tickets may be reserved by phoning the box office at 440-964-3396.

Star Beacon Print Edition: 7/6/2007

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