[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   ``THE FANTASTICKS'' ARE FANTASTIC

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 1995
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute ``The 
Fantasticks,'' the longest running show in American theater history, 
and the longest running musical in the world. The creation of Tom Jones 
and Harvey Schmidt, ``The Fantasticks'' is celebrating its 35th 
anniversary at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York's Greenwich 
Village today, May 3, 1995.
  Approaching its 14,500th performance, ``The Fantasticks'' speaks to 
the most basic human emotions with an eloquence and style that 
transcends international and generational boundaries. Not only is ``The 
Fantasticks'' the longest running show in American theater history, but 
there have been over 8,300 productions of the musical performed in all 
50 States. In addition to these college, community, and amateur 
productions, there have been no less than 15 national touring companies 
who have performed this wonderful show for tens of thousands of people 
throughout the country, and on dozens of U.S. military bases abroad.
  ``The Fantasticks'' has also enjoyed extended popularity on the 
international stage. Each year, thousands of visitors from abroad visit 
the Sullivan Street Playhouse to take in a performance. ``The 
Fantasticks'' has also spawned more than 500 productions in 67 foreign 
countries in such places as Canada, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and 
Israel. The original cast recording of the play's music has sold more 
copies around the world than any other show.
  And yet, it is not the incredible statistical records accumulated by 
this unique piece of theater that make it so extraordinary. ``The 
Fantasticks'' is special because for 35 years it has brought a 
countless number of people together to share an experience that they 
will take with them for the rest of their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to salute ``The Fantasticks'' on this, its 
35th anniversary, and I hope my colleagues will join me in wishing it 
another 35 years of continued success.


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