DATE: Thursday, November 13, 1997           TAG: 9711120125

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 08   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: REVIEW 

SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   70 lines

SMITHFIELD'S `FANTASTICKS' GOES RIGHT TO FUNNY BONE AND HEART

``The Fantasticks'' is - are - whatever.

The Smithfield Little Theatre production is offbeat and offensively non-offensive.

That begs explanation.

Two of the cleverest numbers are ``Rape Ballet,'' and ``It Depends On What You Pay,'' also dealing with ``that'' subject.

No one in their right mind regards rape lightly. ``The Fantasticks'' deal is more like an abduction. No one takes abduction lightly - .

Turns out it looks like that but - well - it ain't - not really.

Roll with it - have fun - enjoy.

``The Fantasticks'' have been enjoyed for a couple decades and area theatergoers are sticking with that trend.

There were three or four walk-outs on opening night - reasons unsure - but there were some children in the Friday night audience who understood and enjoyed.

``The Fantasticks'' - a parable about love written by Tom Jones (not the singer) - concerns two dads who want their kids to wed but pretend they do not, knowing that if they say ``no'' the youngsters will go the other way.

``Never Say No,'' an excellent number, explains all that. Parents already knew all that.

Two dads - two young people - two fruitcake abductors are perfect couples thanks to perfect casting.

The dads: They are a perfect match physically and emotionally, vocally and wittily. Robert Strozak is the boy's father, James Eanes - obviously is her father.

For the young couple, Suzanne Maxwell is a lovely, angelic Luisa and Jason Wooley is a handsome, eye-catching Romeo.

The abductors, and these are meaty roles, are played to joyous perfection by Yvette Hairston and Jerry Matthews. He can't help it, but he is the area's most shameless scene-stealer.

Jonathan Payne does what he can - and does it well - portraying the ``lone wolf'' mute, and Woody Chapman plays El Gallo, the glue that holds the plot together. He is his usual talented self.

April Chapman directed, Paul Chapman produced and helped construct the set, Jeanette Chapman designed the set and served as supervising director, Alison Chapman provided fine piano accompaniment.

``The Fantasticks'' is slow going at first but always interesting. It builds as it goes along with very good music and hoot dialogue.

Some dialogue, such as a series of puns about the Romanoff family, scoot over audience heads.

Everyone in the audience remembers ``Try To Remember.'' It is the play's only familiar song, one you will be humming for days. Woody Chapman offers a heartfelt version.

Some of the other songs are - well - a bit weird, but clever and fun.

The best of the lot is ``Round And Round,'' - Astaire-Rogers meet the marquis de Sade's somewhat lighter cousin.

Another delight, ``Plant A Radish,'' explains why veggies are less trouble than kiddies.

The play is offbeat - the singers are not.

``The Fantasticks,'' will affect you bodily. It tickles your funny bone, the songs keep your feet tapping, and it gives your brain something to ponder. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

ABOUT THE PLAY

WHAT: Smithfield Little Theatre presents ``The Fantasticks.''

WHEN: 8 p.m. tonight-Sunday, Nov. 20-22.

WHERE: Smithfield Little Theatre, Commerce Street.

COST: Reserved seat tickets are $8, and are available at the box

office.

FOR INFORMATION, RESERVATIONS: Call (757) 357-7338.

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