Burke Moses Replaces Moye as El Gallo in The Fantasticks

Burke Moses, best known for originating the role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, is joining the cast of The Fantasticks, now in previews at the Snapple Theater Center.

Moses will replace James Moye as El Gallo in the production, which started performances on July 29. According to a statement, director Tom Jones who also wrote the book and lyrics decided to move the role in a different artistic direction after the first few performances.

Moses, who will start performances in The Fantasticks on August 4, was last seen on Broadway in The Frogs at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. In addition to Beauty and the Beast, he was previously seen on the Great White Way in Kiss Me, Kate and Guys and Dolls. TV credits include All My Children, Family Law, The Hughleys, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Cybill, Caroline in the City, The Nanny, As the World Turns, Loving and The Guiding Light.

The Fantasticks is set to open on August 16. In addition to Moses, the company includes Thomas Bruce as Henry, Leo Burmester as Hucklebee, Robert R. Oliver as Mortimer temporarily replacing a recuperating MacIntyre Dixon, Santino Fontana as Matt, Sara Jean Ford as Luisa, Douglas Ullman, Jr. as The Mute and Martin Vidnovic as Bellomy.