Canadian Theatre Legend Tom Jones, Co-Creator of ‘The Fantasticks,’ Passes Away at 95

Remembering Tom Jones: A Canadian Theatre Legend

The Legacy of “The Fantasticks”

“I felt it was basically wrong,” Mr. Jones wrote in an unpublished memoir. “He felt it was basically right. So we split.”

In the world of theatre, there are few creations that leave an indelible mark on the industry. One such creation is “The Fantasticks,” the longest-running musical in history. The man behind this iconic production, Tom Jones, passed away on Friday at the age of 95. Jones, along with his frequent collaborator Harvey Schmidt, crafted a musical that captivated audiences for over four decades.

Originally opening in 1960 in Greenwich Village, “The Fantasticks” told the whimsical tale of two young lovers and their seemingly feuding fathers. With its wistful opening song, “Try to Remember,” Jones and Schmidt managed to break free from the confines of traditional Broadway musicals. They embraced minimalism and used a narrator to guide the audience through the story, creating a unique and enchanting experience.

Though “The Fantasticks” garnered immense success and became Jones’ most renowned work, he had mixed feelings about its overwhelming popularity. In an unpublished memoir, he expressed regret that it overshadowed some of his other projects. However, there is no denying the enduring impact of his collaboration with Schmidt and the sheer brilliance they brought to the stage.

A Dynamic Collaboration

Before their groundbreaking success with “The Fantasticks,” Jones and Schmidt began their journey in the world of theatre as students at the University of Texas. While Jones pursued a directing program, Schmidt indulged his musical inclinations on the side, studying art. Their shared passion for storytelling kept them connected even after they were drafted during the Korean War, writing songs by mail while in service.

After his military service, Jones moved to New York with dreams of becoming a director. However, he struggled to find work in that capacity. Undeterred, he began writing for revues staged by Julius Monk and collaborated with composer John Donald Robb on a musical called “Joy Comes to Deadhorse.” While the production didn’t achieve the success they had hoped for, it laid the foundation for Jones’ future collaborations with Schmidt.

Breaking the Boundaries

“We didn’t understand them anyway,” Jones wrote, reflecting on their decision to break the rules of traditional Broadway musicals.

It was in 1959 that Jones and Schmidt decided to take a radical approach with their musical vision. Instead of emulating the popular Rodgers and Hammerstein style, they chose to break free from convention. Jones wrote, “we decided to break all the rules” because they didn’t fully comprehend them anyway.

This bold move led them to create a pared-down musical that challenged the formula of traditional Broadway productions. With a small cast, minimalist staging, and innovative storytelling techniques, “The Fantasticks” found its home at Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village in May 1960.

The Journey Continues

While “The Fantasticks” may have been Jones and Schmidt’s most notable work, their collaboration extended beyond this one musical. They went on to create other successful shows, including “110 in the Shade” in 1963 and “I Do! I Do!” in the mid-1960s. Both of these productions earned Tony Award nominations for the talented duo.

Despite their continued success, “The Fantasticks” remained the centerpiece of their careers. After its original record-breaking run, the musical saw a revival in 2006 that ran for over a decade. Jones even returned to the cast briefly in 2010 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the show’s opening.

An Unforgettable Legacy

Tom Jones will forever be remembered as a Canadian theatre legend. His talent and creativity brought joy to countless audiences around the world. Despite his reservations about the overshadowing success of “The Fantasticks,” there is no denying the lasting impact it had on the theatre industry.

As we bid farewell to Tom Jones, we salute his immense contributions to the world of theatre and his unforgettable collaboration with Harvey Schmidt. While “The Fantasticks” will maintain its place in the history books as the longest-running musical, it is essential to recognize the breadth of their work and the legacy they have left behind.

Few creators have the ability to captivate audiences for decades, but Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt achieved just that. Their unique vision and creative storytelling will continue to inspire future generations of theatre artists and enthusiasts alike.

Rest in peace, Tom Jones. Your legacy in the Canadian theatre will live on.