Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance will open its 2013 spring season with The Fantasticks, which first delighted off-Broadway fans in 1960 and eventually became the world’s longest-running musical.

With music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones, the show explores the relationship between parents and children in a beautiful and theatrically simple style. Memorable songs include “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “Try To Remember.”

This will be the first time The Fantasticks has been performed at Cal U.

The cast consists of eight students actors: Jordan Brooks, Christina King, Trevon Kiser, Jason Capello, Zach Thomas, Jason Dohoda, Stephen Reedy and Clayton Rush.

Students also contributed to the look of the show: Sam Karas designed the set and Mary Ann O’Farrell the properties.  

Dr. Michele Pagen is directing the production, with choreography by Diane Buffington and lighting design by William O’Donnell. The music director is Kevin Milliken, a music teacher at Masontown Elementary School.

Curtain time for The Fantasticks is 8 p.m. March 7 and 8, with shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 9. All performances are in the Gerald and Carolyn Blaney Theatre in Steele Hall.

Ticket price is $12 for patrons of all ages. Students with valid CalCards are admitted free; a $5 deposit is returned when the student attends the performance. 

For ticket information, or to order tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.