Love, adventure and magic are in the air as the award-winning Poplar Pike Playhouse prepares to present the longest-running show in Broadway history, The Fantasticks. This beloved musical will open November 5 and run through November 22.

            The Fantasticks unfolds as two lovers, Matt and Luisa, yearn to be together, despite their parents’ seemingly stern disapproval. The power of love and the fate of the young couple are put to the test as temptation and desire enter the picture. The only question is if their love can survive as sweet September turns to frigid December. This classic musical features memorable tunes, including “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.”

           The Fantasticks is a bona fide Poplar Pike Playhouse favorite. This production marks the third time the musical has been presented on the Playhouse stage. Seen by audiences in both 1980 and 1994, the 2009 staging will combine both traditional and uniquely contemporary elements. Theatre goers should be in for the perfect holiday treat.

            The Fantasticks is directed by Patrick Lee Ashcraft and Kirie Walz. Steve Danielson is the musical director. The scenic designer is Lee Williams. The costume designers are Ashley Burns and Samantha Sherry. Frank Williams is the technical director. Courtney Smith is the properties coordinator. The house coordinator is Allison Rogers and the business manager is Lee Driver. E. Frank Bluestein is the producing director.

            The cast of The Fantasticks includes Melanie Culhane, Aussiatou Diallo, A.J. Heinz, Paul Hoover, Meredith Lesley, Drew Murley, Cooper McKelroy and Remy Terle.

             The corporate sponsor for this production is Germantown Association, Inc.; Board of Directors members are Paul Cardelli, Bobby Lanier, Thane Smith and George Walters.

            The Fantasticks opens at the Poplar Pike Playhouse on November 5 and runs through November 22. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now.

            The Poplar Pike Playhouse is the theatre complex located on the campus of Germantown High School.

            The Poplar Pike Arts Guild, the support group for the Playhouse, will sponsor an opening night benefit on Thursday night, November 5. The price for this special performance and reception is $20 per person.

             Reservations for tickets can be made by calling the Poplar Pike Playhouse Box Office at (901) 755-7775 between 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Blocks of tickets are available at reduced rates for school groups and theatre parties. All ticket purchases also can be made by going online to www.ppp.org.

            The Poplar Pike Playhouse is also officially on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan of the Playhouse and its shows on each site for up-to-date information throughout the year.