Show Synopsis:
This allegorical story tells the tale of a young girl and boy, Luisa and Matt, who fall in love with each other despite their fathers telling them that they should not. Unbeknownst to them, their fathers are good friends who decided to lie to their children about a family rivalry so that their children would fall in love. Matt's father Mr. Hucklebee hires El Gallo, who also narrates the musical, to "kidnap" Luisa so that Matt can save her like a hero and prove his worth in front of everybody. However, the fathers and their children begin to realize each others' flaws now that the thrill of the romantic chase is over. Mr. Hucklebee admits that Luisa and Matt's romance was staged by their fathers, and the families begin to feud for real. El Gallo's accomplices Henry and Mortimer lead Matt outside of his hometown, where he sees the harsh realities of adulthood employment. El Gallo begins to flirt with Luisa back home and asks her for her deceased mother's valuable necklace in exchange for a beautiful and glamorous world, while Matt can only offer her his knowledge of the harsh realities of life outside of their small town. El Gallo leaves with Luisa's necklace and she reunites with Matt.

Character:
Luisa, an extremely naïve and beautiful teenage girl who understands nothing about life and love.

Song Context:
Luisa wonders what her future holds and hopes that she can expand her horizons, although she does not realize that it will not always be beautiful and pure.	

Fun Facts:
1. This musical is based on the novel Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand. 
2. Rita Gardner originated the role of Luisa in the original Off-Broadway production, and it was her professional stage debut. 
3. The well-known low-key and small-scale nature of The Fantasticks emerged from its original performance space in the Sullivan Street Playhouse. The actors asked the audience to imagine elements of its production and they used only a piano and a harp for accompaniment, and following productions have followed suit.