Tom Jones, the mastermind behind the unprecedented success of the musical “The Fantasticks,” which holds the distinction of being the longest-running musical in history, has passed away at the age of 95.
Jones, a prolific lyricist, director, and writer, died on Friday at his residence in Sharon, Connecticut. His death was confirmed by Dan Shaheen, a co-producer of “The Fantasticks,” who had collaborated with Jones since the 1980s. The cause of death was cancer.
Collaborating with composer Harvey Schmidt, Jones created not only “The Fantasticks” but also contributed to other notable Broadway productions like “110 in the Shade” and “I Do! I Do!” His contributions to the theatrical world were so substantial that he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998.
“The Fantasticks,” inspired by an obscure play by Edmond Rostand, defied conventional expectations for success. The production’s minimalistic set, comprising a platform with poles, a curtain, and a wooden box, was far from grandiose. Yet, the musical’s narrative, a whimsical take on “Romeo and Juliet,” followed the tale of a young boy and girl, clandestinely brought together by their fathers, amid a cast of eccentric characters.
Throughout its run, a myriad of actors graced the stage, from the original 1960 ensemble featuring Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner, to renowned stars like Ricardo Montalban, Kristin Chenoweth, and Santino Fontana. In recognition of its excellence, the show received Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1991.
Reflecting on the show’s lasting appeal, Jones shared in a 2013 interview with The Associated Press, “So many people have come, and this thing stays the same — the platform, the wooden box, the cardboard moon. We just come and do our little thing and then we pass on.” Remarkably, the production continued at the 153-seat Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village for nearly 42 years, concluding in 2002 after an astounding 17,162 performances. Its closure was influenced by the aftermath of 9/11 and the subsequent shift in the city’s atmosphere.
In 2006, “The Fantasticks” found a new residence in The Snapple Theater Center, later known as The Theater Center, located in the heart of Times Square. The show’s milestone was marked in 2013 when it celebrated its 20,000th performance. The final curtain fell in 2017, with a remarkable total of 21,552 performances, making it the longest-running production in the history of American theater.
The musical’s signature tune, “Try To Remember,” transcended time with numerous renditions by artists like Ed Ames, Harry Belafonte, Barbra Streisand, and Placido Domingo. Other cherished melodies from the show include “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You.”
Despite lukewarm initial reviews, “The Fantasticks” prevailed, displaying enduring charm. Jones and Schmidt, in 1963, also penned “110 in the Shade,” earning them a Tony Award nomination for best composer and lyricist. Their two-character Broadway musical, “I Do! I Do!” in 1967, secured another Tony nomination in the same category.
Broadway veteran Danny Burstein expressed his fond memories of Jones in a heartfelt Facebook post, reflecting on Jones as “such a good guy” and someone he truly adored.
Jones is survived by his two sons, Michael and Sam.