The Fantasticks: Tom Jones plays final performance

Tom Jones, the lyricist and book writer of The Fantasticks, will play his final performance as 'Henry' (The Old Actor) on 6 Jun 2010 in the musical.

The Fantasticks is the world's longest-running musical, and in celebration of the show's 50th anniversary Jones took to the stage on 26 Apr 2010 to revive his portrayal of 'Henry,' which he originated in 1960 when the musical premiered at The Sullivan Street Playhouse. Jones appeared on the cast list using the stage name of 'Thomas Bruce,' the name he used while first playing the role.

Understudy Tom Flagg as now assumed the role 'Henry' until a replacement is announced.

The Fantasticks tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall madly in love at the hands of their meddling fathers, but soon grows restless and stray from one another. Will their separation provide a deeper appreciation for the love they once shared or create a permanent gulf between them?

Featuring the beloved songs "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," The Fantasticks is a celebration of love - first love, lost love and true love.

The Fantasticks now features Edward Watts (El Gallo), Erik Altemus (Matt), Tom Flagg (Henry), Gene Jones (Hucklebee), Matt Leisy (The Mute), Michael Nostrand (Mortimer), Evy Ortiz, Steve Routman (Bellomy), Kimberly Whalen (Luisa) and Scott Willis.

Produced by Terzetto LLC, Pat Flicker Addiss and MARS Theatricals, The Fantasticks features scenic and costume design by Ed Wittstein, lighting design by Mary Jo Dondlinger and sound design by Domonic Sack.

This musical love story features music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones. Jones also directs The Fantasticks, which was originally directed by Word Baker.

The musical comedy originally opened at New York's Sullivan Street Playhouse on the 3 May 1960 and played 17,162 performances before closing on the 13 Jan 2002, making it the world's longest running musical

The musical is playing at The Snapple Theater Center where it is currently selling tickets through to 21 Nov 2010.