Temple Theatre in Sanford will present "The Fantasticks" Thursday, Jan. 25, through Sunday, Feb. 11.

"The Fantasticks," a collaboration by the duo who created the smash hit "I Do! I Do!," is the longest-running musical in the history of Broadway.

The production, which is loosely based on the story, "The Romancers," by Edmond Rostand, first appeared at Barnard College in August 1959.

The production made its professional premiere at the off-Broadway Sullivan Street Playhouse May 3, 1960. The show closed Jan. 13, 2002, after 17,162 performances, giving it the distinction of being the longest-running, uninterrupted show in the theatrical history of the United States. A revival of this theater favorite opened in August at the off-Broadway Snapple Theater Center in New York City.

"The Fantasticks" explores the relationships among a young boy, girl, and their meddling fathers. Two fathers decide their children are a perfect match and devise a brilliant scheme to bring them together. The drama that ensues is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet-style love story with colorful characters and outstanding tunes such as "It's Gonna Rain" and "Try to Remember."

Wendy Jones, who has appeared most recently in "Smokey Joe's Caf" and "The Sound of Music," returns to Temple as director and choreographer of "The Fantasticks." The cast features Kaitlyn Casanova (Luisa Bellomy), Ben Hope (Matthew Hucklebee), Ken Griggs (El Gallo), Michael Brocki (Hucklebee), Tim Brosnan (Bellomy), Ed Pilkington (Henry), Mark Filiaci (Mortimer), and James McMillian (The Mute).

John Coffey will make his Temple debut as musical director and designers Michael Brocki (set design) Heather Ward (lighting design), Thomas Dalton (sound design), and Adrienne McKenzie (costume design) will contribute their talents to this production.

Tickets are on sale now, $20 for adults, $10 for students and children, $16 for groups, $16 for active military personnel, and $16 for Lee County educators. Tickets may be obtained through the Temple Theatre Box Office located at 120 Carthage St. in downtown Sanford. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to show times.

Tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at 919-774-4155 and online ticketing is currently available by visiting the theater Web site at www. templeshows.com.