Back Alley Productions presents The Fantasticks

The lights drop, the music begins and suddenly you’re in a place you can’t quite remember. A place where life is young, time is slow, and a girl and boy have fallen in love for the first time.

Back Alley Productions invites you to follow the story of this young couple as we present the longest-running American musical, “The Fantasticks.” The classic comes to life at the Walker County Community Theater at 10052 North Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Performances are March 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7:30 p.m.

“When was the first time you fell in love,” director Kaylee Smith asks. “That’s what this whole play is about. Two young kids - Luisa and Matt - fall in love and grow up together, learning that life is more complicated than it first seems. Even if you’ve never heard of the Fantasticks, that’s a story most people have experienced for themselves by a certain age.”

As the couple grows up, they must confront their scheming fathers, shady actors, a bandit, Indians, the world, and – ultimately – each other.

“The production is very funny, very sweet, and we have an excellent cast from talented folks who live in Ringgold, Walker County, Dalton, and Chattanooga,” Smith added. “We’re really excited to show our company’s first musical. The work and long nights have been especially easy because the cast has shown a lot of dedication and a love for the story. When your actors are as passionate about the show as you are as a director, you know you’re in for something great.”

The musical director is Colby Jones of Dalton. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children and seniors, and can be purchased at the door or online at www.backalleyproductions.org. As is tradition with Back Alley Productions, local police and fire officials get two free tickets to bring their families to the event with ID. For more information, call (706) 621-2870.

“The Fantasticks” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. They are located at 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY, 10019 and can be contacted at (212) 541-4684. Faxes can be sent to (212) 397-4684. Visit www.MTIShows.com for more information.