Lamb’s Players Theatre presents Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s beloved musical, “The Fantasticks” through July 26 at the Coronado theater. Deborah Gilmour Smyth directs what Lamb’s calls a “re-imagining” of the work, which consists largely of a new scenic concept, the addition of two musicians over the original and some changes in the lyrics of “It Depends on What You Pay.” Robert Smyth and Bryan Barbarin are the scenery chewers in this company, with their portrayals of broken-down Shakespearean actors Henry and Mortimer. Their shopworn, ragged costumes are the brilliant creations of costumer Jeanne Reith. The other clowns are the young lovers’ fathers, played by Antonio “TJ” Johnson and John Rosen, both appealing actors. Their beloved offspring, Luisa (Courtney Evans) and Matt (Steve Limones) respectively, are in love. Hoping to feign disapproval and hence speed the youngsters by giving them the idea they are doing something forbidden, the dads have erected a Wall (Joyelle Cabato, who also plays the Mute) between the two houses. Luisa says Matt is nice but boring, so the dads hire a notorious, super-sexy Latino bandit named El Gallo (Mauricio Mendoza) to abduct Luisa, so that Matt can save her in a mock duel. All goes awry but in good storytelling tradition, true love triumphs. There are lots of songs along the way, most memorably “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You.” “The Fantasticks” plays through July 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. For tickets ($22-$59) and information, visit www.lambsplayers.org or call (619) 437-0600.
