Tom Jones, creator of the longest-running musical 'The Fantasticks,' dies at 95

Tom Jones, the lyricist, director, and writer of "The Fantasticks," the longest-running musical in history, has died at 95.

Tom Jones, the renowned lyricist, director, and writer behind the record-breaking musical "The Fantasticks," has passed away at the age of 95. His death occurred at his residence in Sharon, Connecticut, as confirmed by Dan Shaheen, a co-producer of "The Fantasticks" who had worked closely with Jones since the 1980s. The cause of death was cancer.

Jones, in collaboration with composer Harvey Schmidt, created not only "The Fantasticks" but also other successful Broadway shows such as "110 in the Shade" and "I Do! I Do!" Their contributions to the theater industry were recognized when Jones was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998.

"The Fantasticks," despite its humble set design consisting of a platform, poles, a curtain, and a wooden box, defied expectations and became a massive hit. Based on a lesser-known play by Edmond Rostand, the musical presents a satirical take on the classic "Romeo and Juliet" story, featuring a young couple secretly brought together by their fathers and a cast of eccentric characters.

Over the years, numerous actors have graced the stage of "The Fantasticks," from the original cast in 1960, including Jerry Orbach and Rita Gardner, to renowned stars like Ricardo Montalban, Kristin Chenoweth, and Santino Fontana, who gained fame from Disney's "Frozen." In 1991, the show received Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre.

Reflecting on the enduring success of "The Fantasticks," Jones remarked in a 2013 interview with The Associated Press, "So many people have come, and this thing stays the same -- the platform, the wooden box, the cardboard moon. We just come and do our little thing and then we pass on."

For an impressive span of nearly 42 years, the show captivated audiences at the 153-seat Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, finally concluding in 2002 after an astounding 17,162 performances. Its closure was influenced by the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, which had devastated downtown Manhattan and created a more cautious and apprehensive atmosphere.

However, in 2006, "The Fantasticks" found a new home at The Snapple Theater Center, later renamed The Theater Center, an off-Broadway complex located in the heart of Times Square. The show reached a milestone in 2013, celebrating 20,000 performances. Ultimately, in 2017, it concluded its run, solidifying its status as the longest-running production in the history of American theatre, with an astonishing total of 21,552 performances.

Jones marveled at the show's longevity, stating, "My mind doesn't grasp it, in a way. It's like life itself -- you get used to it and you don't notice how extraordinary it is. I'm grateful for it and I'm astonished by it."

One of the musical's most recognizable songs, "Try To Remember," has been recorded by countless artists over the years, including Ed Ames, Harry Belafonte, Barbra Streisand, and Placido Domingo. Other well-known songs from the production include "Soon It's Gonna Rain" and "They Were You."

Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, "The Fantasticks" prevailed and surpassed expectations. A critic from The New York Herald Tribune expressed admiration only for Act 2, while The New York Times' critic suggested that the show lost its magic as time went on.

In 1963, Jones and Schmidt collaborated once again to create the Broadway show "110 in the Shade," which garnered them a Tony Award nomination for best composer and lyricist. Their two-character musical, "I Do! I Do!," followed in 1967, also earning them a Tony nomination for best composer and lyricist.

Jones is survived by his two sons, Michael and Sam. Tributes poured in from the Broadway community, with veteran Danny Burstein expressing his adoration for Jones on Facebook, writing, "Such a good guy. I truly adored him."