Recalling the Hollywood Courtship of ‘Fantasticks’ Lyricist Tom Jones

‘Fantasticks‘ Lyricist Tom Jones Was Sanguine About the Musical’s Tangled History With Hollywood, Including a Near-Miss With Barbra Streisand

Tom Jones, the lyricist and bookwriter of the stage musical “The Fantasticks,” has passed away at the age of 95. Jones and composer Harvey Schmidt wrote the iconic song “Try to Remember,” which has become one of the most well-known songs from the show. In an interview before his death, Jones recounted the tumultuous history of attempts to bring “The Fantasticks” to the silver screen, including a near-miss with Hollywood superstar Barbra Streisand.

The Success of “The Fantasticks“

When “The Fantasticks” premiered on stage in 1960, it quickly became a hit and ran off-Broadway for an unprecedented 42 years. The show, with its simple story of young love and memorable songs, captured the hearts of audiences and spawned numerous productions and adaptations. Jones estimated that over 20,000 productions of the show have been staged, with over 100,000 people having been involved in its various productions.

Despite its success on stage, “The Fantasticks” faced significant hurdles in its journey to the big screen.

The Hollywood Courtship

In the 1960s and ’70s, there were several attempts to adapt “The Fantasticks” for film. One of the most memorable near-misses involved Barbra Streisand and her then-husband Elliott Gould as the potential leads. At the time, the couple, who were with producer Ray Stark due to their work on the film “Funny Girl,” expressed a strong desire to make a film version of “The Fantasticks.”

However, despite interest from major Hollywood studios and figures like Gower Champion and Franco Zeffirelli, a compelling vision for the film adaptation could not be agreed upon.

Jones fondly recounted the various encounters with Hollywood executives and the power lunches they had in the process. Reflecting on those experiences, he expressed no regrets, saying that he had a wonderful time in Hollywood and appreciated the opportunities and experiences he had.

The Decline of Movie Musicals

One of the major challenges faced by “The Fantasticks” in its attempts to transition to the big screen was the decline of the movie musical in the late 1960s. Traditional movie musicals, with characters breaking into song off-stage, had fallen out of favor with audiences.

During this period, there were few successful movie musicals being made, and the industry was hesitant to invest in a film adaptation of “The Fantasticks” without a well-known musical star. The film industry suggested casting popular rock performers or actors like Brooke Shields, who had mainstream appeal but may not have suited the style of the show.

It wasn’t until 2002 with the release of “Chicago” that movie musicals made a resurgence, making the prospects for a film version of “The Fantasticks” even more challenging in the ’80s and ’90s.

The Film Adaptation and Legacy

The film version of “The Fantasticks” finally came to fruition in 2000, directed by Michael Ritchie. It was shot on a modest budget and featured a small cast, including New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre and Jean Louisa Kelly as the young leads. The film received limited release and was met with little fanfare, but it made a lasting impression on those who saw it.

Despite the lack of commercial success, the enduring legacy of “The Fantasticks” lies in its timeless score and the poignant themes hidden beneath its seemingly light-hearted story. Jones’s lyrics and Schmidt’s music weave together to create a show that resonates with audiences of all ages. The show’s most memorable number, “Try to Remember,” has been covered by countless artists and is still considered one of the most beautiful songs in American musical theater.

The film adaptation of “The Fantasticks” may not have received the recognition it deserved, but the enduring popularity of the show itself guarantees its continued presence in high schools and community theaters.

Reflections on Jones’s Legacy

Tom Jones leaves behind a legacy that includes not only his work on “The Fantasticks” but also his contributions to the world of musical theater. His ability to infuse wit, cynicism, and sentiment into his lyrics, paired with Schmidt’s melodic gifts, touched the hearts of audiences and left a lasting impact.

Jones’s ability to explore darker themes within the context of a seemingly light-hearted show is often overlooked. “The Fantasticks” subtly imparts life lessons to its audience, reminding them of the inevitable hardships and challenges that come with growing up and navigating relationships.

Director Michael Ritchie summed up the impact of “The Fantasticks” best when he spoke about the song “They Were You,” which he believed was the most powerful moment in the show. The song encapsulates the characters’ journey and serves as a major plot resolution. Ritchie admitted that it brought him to tears, a testament to the emotional depth and impact of the show.

While “The Fantasticks” may not have achieved its full potential in the world of film, its place in musical theater history is secure. Tom Jones’s contributions to the show will continue to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.