A timeless story of love, lost and found, lyrical singing, colorful costumes, a bit of hammy acting, and talent, talent, talent – talent abounds in the Brookhaven Little Theatre’s current production “The Fantasticks.”

A boy, a girl and two meddling fathers: Throw in a handsome rogue and his two past-their-prime sidekicks, along with a lovely mute and a talented keyboardist all gently directed by director Shaw Furlough and you have a “Fantastick” show!

Brookhaven Theatre’s third production of the season showcases the massive talent of veterans and newcomers alike.  Two fathers, Huckabee and Bellomy, well played by Greg Russell and Brad Johnson, fake a feud in order to trick their children into falling in love. Both Johnson and Russell have great chemistry, though as fathers and gardeners they have completely different approaches on what works best in growing gardens and romance. Their duets “Just Say No” and “Plant a Radish” are a delight.

Lauren Sasser plays The Girl, beautiful 16-year-old Luisa. Sasser wonderfully conveys Luisa’s naiveté in matters of love and the real world. She has a marvelous presence and a superb voice and brings the character of Luisa to life on the BLT stage. Her solo “Much More” is so beautifully done that you, the audience, will fall a little in love with her yourself.

The Boy, Matt, is played by the handsome and talented Andrew Barnett. He, too, knows little of love and the girl next door but is smitten nonetheless. Andrew also exhibits a fine singing voice in his solo “I’ll Marry.” He and Sasser blend wonderfully in their duets “Metaphor”, “Celebration” and “They Were You.”

El Gallo, The Narrator, is masterfully played by Joey Sills. He has a certain swagger and charisma that is evident as he manipulates the fathers and their children throughout the play. In a silky, baritone voice he sings the shows most recognizable tune, “Try to Remember”.

Scene stealers – this show has not one but two. El Gallo summons up his acting troupe, Henry, played by Doug Hoy, and Mortimer, played by Matt Coleman. They were both highly amusing, overblown, and pompous as they cavort across the stage. Henry continually misquotes and butchers Shakespeare while Mortimer exhibits his specialty of dying on stage – several times!

The Mute, beautifully played by Lindi Lane Smith, acts as stage manager throughout the play. Without saying a word or singing a note she is the one constant presence on stage. She may not talk but she makes things happen – snow, moonlight, scorching sunshine, walls and turns sticks into swords.

One cannot say enough about the keyboardist Charles Bridges. He makes a difficult set of arrangements sound simple and beautiful as he accompanies the troupe.