‘Tom Jones: The Unforgettable Journey from Broadway to Hollywood’

‘Fantasticks’ Lyricist Tom Jones Was Sanguine About the Show’s Tangled History With Hollywood, Including a Barbra Streisand Near-Miss

The Legacy of ‘The Fantasticks’

The recent passing of iconic songwriter Tom Jones, best known as the lyricist and book writer for the stage musical ‘The Fantasticks,’ has reignited interest in the show’s tangled history with Hollywood. Featuring the beloved song “Try to Remember,” ‘The Fantasticks’ has remained a cultural touchstone since its original staging in 1960. Despite the show’s long-running success off-Broadway and numerous stage productions worldwide, the journey to bring it to the big screen was fraught with challenges and missed opportunities.

Hollywood‘s Fascination With ‘The Fantasticks’

According to reports, numerous film studios and stars expressed interest in adapting ‘The Fantasticks’ for the silver screen. Notably, there was a near-miss opportunity featuring Barbra Streisand and Elliott Gould as the young romantic leads. However, due to creative differences and struggles to find a shared vision, these attempts never came to fruition.

The Unsuccessful Attempts

Jones recounted the failed attempts to make a ‘Fantasticks’ movie, including meetings with director Gower Champion and discussions with Paramount executive Charles Bluhdorn. The involvement of renowned filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli also fell through due to his lack of understanding of the story’s American nuances.

The Changing Landscape of Movie Musicals

The decline of movie musicals in the late 1960s and ’70s, coupled with the absence of established musical stars in the industry, contributed to the challenges in securing a film adaptation of ‘The Fantasticks.’ The genre’s shift away from traditional musicals, where characters break into song off-stage, played a significant role in the lack of interest from production executives.

Michael Ritchie’s ‘The Fantasticks’ Film

Ultimately, director Michael Ritchie’s passion project emerged as the film adaptation of ‘The Fantasticks’ in 1995. Made on a relatively modest budget, the movie aimed to bridge the gap between old and new movie-musical eras at a time when the genre was experiencing a dry spell. The film featured a talented cast, including New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre and Jean Louisa Kelly, and boasted breathtaking arrangements by Jonathan Tunick.

The Enduring Appeal of ‘The Fantasticks’

Despite the film’s limited release and lackluster reception, the enduring appeal of ‘The Fantasticks’ lies in its timeless score and poignant lyrics. Jones and composer Harvey Schmidt created a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, particularly in high schools and community theaters. The musical’s bittersweet themes and dark undertones add depth to its seemingly lighthearted story, showcasing Jones’ ability to infuse life lessons into the lyrics.

A Lasting Legacy

With Tom Jones’ passing, the world has lost a prolific and talented songwriter. However, his legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of ‘The Fantasticks’ and its timeless music, which continues to captivate audiences around the globe. Whether or not the film adaptation of ‘The Fantasticks’ ever receives the recognition it deserves, its impact on American musical theater remains undeniable.

Barbra Streisand, Elliott Gould, The Fantasticks