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A steampunk look, beautiful voices and great comedic timing make a new run of the musical "The Fantasticks" at the Omaha Community Playhouse engaging, fresh and fun.

"The Fantasticks" is the world's longest-running musical — generations of school theater groups and swing choirs have performed it. The show opened on Friday at the Playhouse and continues through March 18.

The basic premise of a small band of players telling a story from a trunk on the stage is still the anchor for the production. The new steampunk treatment — Victorian style and 1980s punk attitude — adds exotic visual interest to the play, a new edginess to darker parts of the classic tale and at least one surprise.

Shreds of vintage fabrics, metal gizmos and odd touches from long-forgotten industrial enterprises appear as props. With the help of lighting, these props draw in the eye and entertain the spirit while a timeless tale of love and life unfolds. A preview audience on Thursday seemed thoroughly impressed and at least one couple joked about wanting to take one of the steampunk props home.

Seth Fox, as the show's narrator El Gallo, beautifully sings the show's signature tune "Try to Remember" and many other numbers in the show. His bold and graceful movements lend credence to the happiness and the mayhem he leaves in his wake.

Jennifer Tritz and Rick Tritz, as the girl and boy who fall in love, are a glorious match as singers and as performers. The duo are married in real life and are thoroughly entertaining as they draw attention to the tenderness and the silliness of young love. Jennifer's well-trained voice enlivens show tunes like "Soon it's Gonna Rain" and "Round and Round." And Rick has a great knack for conveying emotion as he sings. His "I Can See It" is great fun.

Gordon Krentz and Jonathan Wilhoft are a stitch as the fathers of the boy and the girl. Physical comedy, sidewise glances and the timing of their lines are spot-on. And they are enjoyable harmonizers on tunes such as "Plant a Radish."

The remainder of the cast is strong, too. Matthew Uehling as the mute becomes a visual touchstone for the play. Bernie Clark and Matthew Kelehan as bumbling, has-been actors created lots of visual laughs.

Enhancing the stellar music of the show throughout was the piano accompaniment of music director John Bennett.

"The Fantasticks" is playing in the Howard Drew Theatre, the smaller of the two stages at the Playhouse, so seating is close to the action — a plus for seeing the visual comedy. The intimate setting also means fewer seats are available.

Playhouse spokeswoman Katie Wortmann said long-time fans of "The Fantasticks" have already purchased many of the seats. So, if you would like to discover the show for the first time or to see the new steampunk treatment, don't delay.

Contact the writer:

402-444-1052, jane.palmer@owh.com