The Riverland Community College theatre 2011-2012 season opened Friday with the classic musical, The Fantasticks. The play’s opening also marked the inaugural production for new theatre director Lindsey Duoos Williams.

Billed as the longest running musical in the world, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, The Fantasticks tells the story of a boy, a girl and the family feud invented by their parents to make sure the two children fall in love. The score, filled with classic songs like “Try to Remember,” “Much More,” and “They Were You,” helps create a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal. This musical is appropriate for all ages.

The Fantasticks is directed by Williams. Coni Nelson is the musical director conducting a score that features Rachel Carlson on piano. Leslie Weber is the choreographer. The set and lighting designer is Bradley Weber. The costumes are by Kaye Perry.

“The Fantasticks is the perfect way to kick off our season,” says Williams.  “The fact that the show is still thriving in New York after over fifty years is a testament to how strongly it resonates with audiences.  I’m excited to bring The Fantasticks back to Austin for those who remember it from the past, as well as to introduce it to a brand new audience via our students.”

The cast of The Fantasticks includes Sam Gustine (Waltham) as El Gallo, Victoria Torkelson (Austin) as The Mute, Amelia Holcomb (Albert Lea) as Luisa, Jordan Wylde (Elkton) as Matt, Samantha Johnson (Austin) as Hucklebee, Faith Snater (Austin) as Bellomy, David Dahlquist (Lyle) as Henry, and Pat Trotman (Blooming Prairie) as Mortimer.

The Fantasticks will be performed, one more weekend,  Oct  13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. A  matinee performances is scheduled for Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.

Individual tickets to The Fantasticks are $15 and currently on sale at the Riverland Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Austin campus.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances.  Riverland students receive two free tickets to each performance with a valid student ID. Tickets are also available for purchase at Coffee House on Main in Austin.

Season Ticket subscriptions to Riverland’s 2011/2012 season are $50 and are on sale now through October 16.  To purchase a season ticket or to receive more information, call the Riverland Theatre Box Office at (507) 433-0595, or visit the Web site and download the brochure at www.riverland.edu/theatre.

Riverland’s Theatre Department is a high-energy performance-oriented program. Plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and from full-scale large cast musicals in intimate small cast plays. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theatre production including, but not limited to, acting, stage managing, set building and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges in and out of the classroom.