A crazy plot involving scheming neighbors, star-crossed lovers, a band of traveling actors, a fake abduction and the collision of fantasy with reality: these elements (and more) form the basis of the world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks, premiering in March at the Stoughton Village Players Theater. There are many memorable and clever songs throughout the production but two that many people will recognize are the haunting “Try to Remember,” and the love song, “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.”

It has many funny moments but also very tender, poignant scenes where characters discuss life, love, relationships and truth. The story is told by narrator El Gallo (Mikhael Farah) who also takes on other roles in the production. The neighbors are two fathers (Dave Conour, Greg Roy) who really want their children (Krystal Lonsdale, Isaac Lind) to fall in love. Their reasoning is sound but their tactics work poorly and the young couple is led down a winding path of discovery and doubt.

Other actors (Merlin Luschen, Stacey Garbarski, Melissa Mendl) play various roles as we find out the emotional outcomes of lies and manipulation. Will Matt and Luisa overcome their fathers’ meddling or will they search for love in the world on their own? Is life about struggling and overcoming obstacles or is it about poetry, beauty and love? The Fantasticks shows you both sides and asks you to choose.

The show’s original 1960 production ran for 42 years and is still on Broadway today with many revivals over the years. Audiences love the bantering dialogue, the engaging look at the games people play in their relationships and the gorgeous music.

This cast is a wonderful mix with an SVP favorite, a Stoughtonite new to this stage, some that have performed on this stage before and some completely new to Stoughton. The voices are remarkable and the creative staging offers additional reasons to enjoy this excellent production. Local Linda Kunz (Stoughton’s Citizen of the Year for 2014) serves as Musical Director.

Well-known Madison area actor, director and television personality Michael Bruno (Bruno’s Best, WISC-Channel 3) is the show’s director. “I have loved this show for many years and was very pleased to be asked to bring my vision for it to the Stoughton Village Players Theater.”

Performances are: March 12-14 and 17-19, 7:30, with a matinee March 15, 2:00. Tickets are $12 for Thursday/Sunday and $15 for Friday/Saturday and are at McGlynn Pharmacy and online at StoughtonVillagePlayers Tickets.