Playwright: By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
Directed By: Wendy Katz Hiller
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Run Dates: September 12, 2025 - September 28, 2025
Show Info
Run Time appx 2 hours, with intermission
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Production Snapshot
The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. This beloved and timeless classic explores themes of love, illusion, and the passage of time. The charming score, includes “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” “Much More,” and “They Were You.”
The Fantasticks is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Cast
Antonio Vettraino
El Gallo
Antonio Vettraino (El Gallo) could not be more honored and excited to be making his Open Book debut by revisiting one of his favorite shows! A recent graduate from Oakland University’s musical theatre program, he has kept busy and worked at many professional theatres in the area. Past Credits: The Play That Goes Wrong (Robert/Thomas: The DIO), Now. Here. This. (Man 1: The Inspired Acting Company), As You Like It (Jaques, Shakespeare In Detroit), A Christmas Carol (Fred, Meadow Brook Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour/Mushnik Understudy Performances: MBT). Directing Credits: I and You, The Last Five Years. “Thank you to everyone, friends and family, who continue to support me and push me not only as an artist but as a human. I hope this timeless and beautiful piece resonates with you just as much as it has resonated with us.” Instagram: antoniov_123 www.antoniovettraino.com
Jessica Boehmer
Luisa
Jessica Boehmer (Luisa) is ecstatic to be back at Open Book! You may have seen her on this stage last season as Emmy in “A Doll’s House Part 2”, and she just completed the Acting Internship at Meadow Brook Theatre for the ‘24-‘25 Season. Favorite credits include Mimi in “Guys & Dolls” (Michigan Stage), Fred’s Wife in “A Christmas Carol” (Meadow Brook Theatre), and Signe in “Church Basement Ladies” (Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre). Jess loves books, movies, and coffee and can often be found indulging in 2 of those 3 things at once. Endless love to Joe, her family and her friends for their constant support, and special thanks to YOU for supporting live theatre! @jessica.boehmer
Cooper Miller
Matt
Cooper Miller (Matt) is elated to mark his debut with Open Book Theatre Company! He has previously performed as Richard Hannay in “The 39 Steps”, originated the role of Jared in “Gearheads”, and is looking forward to playing Leo Frank in “Parade” in November. Cooper is currently studying at OCC working towards an Associate in Arts, and plans to transfer to earn his BFA next fall. When he’s not singing about September, you could find Cooper destroying his friends in every board game imaginable. He would like to thank his family for their continual support and love throughout his journey.
John DeMerell
Hucklebee
John DeMerell (Hucklebee) is very excited to return to the Open Book Theatre in “The Fantasticks”! John is grateful for the opportunity to recreate the magic of seeing this show on Broaway, eons ago, where a mostly empty stage comes to life! Recently, he portrayed Dr. Rank in Amy Herzog's version of “A Doll's House” at Inspired Acting Company of Walled Lake. One of John's favorite roles so far has been Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha”, which garnered him his first Wilde Award. His second Wilde Award came from playing the lead role in the U.S. premiere of an Irish play titled “Come on Home”. Thirdly, he received the same award at A Wilde Theatre playing a Scottish Assassin in “Unnecessary Farce”. John was also involved, recently, with a movie shoot at the University of Michigan titled “How Do We Begin”, which will have its Premiere in October!
Henry Ballesteros
Bellomy
Henry Ballesteros (Bellomy) is beyond excited to be back at Open Book Theatre Co.! (“Grand Concourse” {Wilde Award Winner}, “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”, “Bernhardt/Hamlet”. Prop Design: Ripcord & Artemisia), Henry attended Southern Utah University (B.F.A. in Classical Acting.), Henry has had the pleasure of working with The Michigan Shakespeare Education Tour (MiSFITS), The Utah Shakespeare Festival (“Twelfth Night 2014”) and with the SimonFest Theatre Co.(2015-2019). Recently, Henry has worked with Shakespeare In Detroit (“As You Like It”), The Penny Seats Theatre Company (“Return To The Forbidden Planet”, “Ordinary Days”). Henry will be directing Clue for Open Book Theatre this winter. For the love of my life, Bryan and my family: B, R & A.
Nilgun Basaran Kaya
The Mute
Nilgun Basaran Kaya (The Mute) is thrilled to make her Open Book Theater Company debut! Originally from Turkey, she enjoys working in physical theater and clowning, and loves bringing Shakespeare to life—especially in the great outdoors. Some of her favorite past roles include the Host in “The Merry Wives of Windsor”, Audrey in “As You Like It”, Borachio in “Much Ado About Nothing”, and Francis Flute in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with Shakespeare in the Arb. She also played Minnie Fay in “The Matchmaker” with Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Offstage, Nilgun is currently learning to play the alto recorder (a joyful challenge!) and enjoys crocheting cozy, playful garments for herself and her friends.
Michael Saggau
Mortimer
Michael Saggau (Mortimer) is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut with Open Book Theater, and doubly thrilled to be appearing with the talented cast and crew of “The Fantasticks”. He previously appeared in several short films and, when not acting, can be seen hoofing with Tap Dance Detroit throughout the metro area. He wishes to express his gratitude to his wife Sarah for taking such good care of his labrador retriever while he has been at rehearsals.
H. Jurkiewicz
Henry
H. Jurkiewicz (Henry) is happy to be a part of this production. For George Curley (The Original Mortimer), Jeff Orchard and Joel Jacobs. Thanks for coming.
Crew
Wendy Katz Hiller
Director
Wendy Katz Hiller (director) is thrilled to be back at Open Book directing their first musical! At Open Book she has directed “A Doll’s House Part 2”, “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”, “Marjorie Prime”, “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune”, “Doubt”, “Time Stands Still”, as well as the Zoom production “What Brought me Here”. As an actress, Wendy has performed in four shows at Open Book, most recently as Hazel in “The Children”. Wendy has appeared with various Michigan theatres including The Jewish Ensemble Theatre, Matrix Theatre, The Dio Theatre, The Encore Musical Theatre Company, and The Michigan Shakespeare Festival where she received a Wilde Award for her performance as Mrs. Malaprop in “The Rivals”. She would like to thank Krista for giving her this wonderful opportunity, her cast and crew for their talent and hard work, and Steve for his support. She also looks forward to playing Lettice Douffet in “Lettice and Lovage” at Open Book next May!
Shardai Davis
Stage Manager
Shardai R. Davis (Stage Manager) is a classically trained actor, dancer, musician, and stage manager who has performed and been behind the scenes in many different mediums from plays and shorts films, operas, and even traditional Hula Luaus. Shardai received her Bachelors of Science in Individualized Studies Degree w/Concentrations in Kinesiology, Theatre, and Music from Eastern Michigan University in 2014. Some of her performances include: Polonius in “Hamlet,” Calpurnia in “To Kill A Mockingbird,” Kitty Duvall in “The Time of Your Life,” Athena in “The Odyssey,” and as Mrs. Walker in “Tommy”. She has stage managed at DDC Dances, Puzzle Piece Theatre, Marquis Theatre, Open Book Theatre, and at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. Davis has a high level of proficiency in piano, martial arts, directing and scenic design, and has won several accolades for her skills and techniques in the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. She would like to give a shout out to her Mom & Dad for always supporting her and inspiring her to live her dreams!
Doug Scott
Music Director
Doug Scott (music director) began studying piano at age 8, and began performing professionally at age 12. He graduated with highest honors from Michigan State University, studying with Ralph Votapek. He has appeared locally as soloist with the Toledo, Southern Great Lakes, Dearborn, and the Warren Symphonies, and in recital under the auspices of a variety of presenters. Proficient in a variety of genres, he has toured with the renowned Hollywood Festival Orchestra, and the acclaimed River Raisin Ragtime Revue orchestra. He collaborates regularly with soloists, chamber ensembles, choral and theater groups. An active volunteer in the arts, he served as Past President of the Southern Great Lakes Symphony, the Downriver Council for the Arts, and currently as President of the Grosse Ile Musicale. He is the Music Director of Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. “The Fantasticks” is his favorite musical, which he played for the first time in 1972.
Harley Miah
Lighting Designer
Harley Miah (Lighting Designer) is a freelance artist designing and programming for theatres, nightclubs, concerts and festivals across the country with IKO Global Productions. As the resident Lighting Designer for Open Book Theatre Harley has earned Wilde Awards for Best Design – Lights for “Red” in 2014, and “This Random World” in 2022. Harley's work can also be seen this season at Tipping Point Theatre, The Inspired Acting Company, and at The Williamston Theatre. Harley spends his spare time with his loving partner Reyna spoiling their cats, traveling, and seeing as many shows as they can in this great theatre community we have in Southeast Michigan. He hopes you do the same.
Amanda Bates
Scenic Designer
Amanda Bates (Scenic Designer) is a theatre artist from the Detroit area working both in technical roles and as a performer, and is happy to return to Open Book Theatre as a Scenic Designer. Previously she has worked at Open Book as a Props Designer (“Too Heavy for Your Pocket”, “The Taming”, “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”) and Scenic Painter (“Every Brilliant Thing”, “Bernhardt/ Hamlet”). Her past Scenic Design credits include “It’s Only Life” at Inspired Acting Company, “Death of A Driver” at Theatre Nova, and “Return to the Forbidden Planet” at Penny Seats Theatre. Amanda received her MA in Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University and is a Scenic Carpenter at Meadow Brook Theatre.
Cheryl Zemke
Costume Designer
Cheryl Zemke (costume designer) is an award-winning fashion designer with a passion for art and history. Cheryl's love for fashion and history has led her to be a part of the Open Book Theatre team since 2017, and this will be her 19th play as a costume designer. Cheryl is a multi-award-winning professional artist and the owner of C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design since 2002, as well as Cheryl Zemke Boutique in downtown Wyandotte. Cheryl believes that every piece of clothing tells a story, and her boutique reflects this philosophy with its unique and handcrafted items. From custom-designed clothing to handcrafted jewelry and unique art pieces, Cheryl's boutique is a treasure trove for those who appreciate quality and creativity. Visit Cheryl Zemke Boutique to explore her stunning creations or join her for her next fashion show or art exhibit. Follow Cheryl on Facebook or Instagram @cherylzemkeboutique. For any inquiries, contact Cheryl Zemke via her email at czcreations@hotmail.com.
Henry Ballesteros
Properties Designer
Henry Ballesteros (Properties Designer) is beyond excited to return to Open Book designing props for this entire season, after designing props for Ripcord and Artemisia last season. Henry is also an actor (enjoy him onstage as Bellomy, see his actor’s bio above!) and director (he’ll be directing "Clue" at Open Book later this season!) For my love Bryan, B, R & A.
Krista Schafer
Producer
Krista Schafer (Producer) is the founding Artistic Director of Open Book. She earned her degree in theatre from Northwestern University and has additional training from Arden Theatre Company, SITI company, Fringe Benefits, and Augusto Boal. Krista has performed on professional stages large and small across the country. Krista also has over 25 years of experience directing, leading drama workshops, and teaching theatre to all ages. She served as the director at Grosse Ile High School from fall 2016-spring 2019 and has directed several Grosse Ile Boar’s Head Festivals. Krista has won many Wilde Awards for her work as an actor and director. Now Begin.
Meet the Playwright(s)
By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
Composer Harvey Schmidt and lyricist Tom Jones are the legendary writing team best known for shaping the American musical landscape with their 1960 hit, The Fantasticks. After its Off-Broadway opening in May 1960, it went on to become the longest-running production in the history of the American stage and one of the most frequently produced musicals in the world.
Their first Broadway show, 110 in the Shade, was revived on Broadway in a new production starring Audra MacDonald. I Do! I Do!, their two-character musical starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston, was a success on Broadway and is frequently done around the country. For several years Jones and Schmidt worked privately at their theatre workshop, concentrating on small-scale musicals in new and often untried forms. The most notable of these efforts were Celebration, which moved to Broadway, and Philemon, which won an Outer Critics Circle Award. They contributed incidental music and lyrics to the Off-Broadway play Colette starring Zoe Caldwell, then later did a full-scale musical version under the title Colette Collage. The Show Goes On, a musical revue featuring their theatre songs and starring Jones and Schmidt, was presented at the York Theatre, and Mirette, their musical based on the award-winning children’s book, was premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. In addition to an Obie Award and the 1992 Special Tony Award for The Fantasticks, Jones and Schmidt were inducted into the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre, and on May 3, 1999 their ‘stars’ were added to the Off-Broadway Walk of Fame outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Then in 2012, Jones & Schmidt were honored by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Tom Jones passed away on August 11, 2023.