The off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks has announced several cast changes in the wake of the departure of American Idol's Anthony Federov, effective July 30. Nick Spangler, who previously played The Mute, will now play Matt, Jordan Nichols will play The Mute and Julie Craig has rejoined the production as Luisa after a stint as Maria in the Barrington Stage's production of West Side Story. The Fantasticks is currently playing in the newly dedicated Jerry Orbach Theater, part of the Snapple Theater Center.
The Fantasticks opened off-Broadway on August 23, 2006, directed by the show's lyricist and book writer Tom Jones, who also appears in the production as Henry under the pseudonym Thomas Bruce. The beloved musical love story features music by Harvey Schmidt and also stars John Deyle Hucklebee, Burke Moses El Gallo, Robert R. Oliver Mortimer and Martin Vidnovic Bellomy.
Spangler's regional credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Fantasticks and Grease.
Nichols' regional credits include Gypsy, Urinetown, Ragtime and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? Craig has appeared in the Encores! productions of The Apple Tree and Bye Bye Birdie and an international tour of West Side Story. Regional credits include Bye Bye Birdie and Fame.