Tom Jones Dead at 95: Reflecting on the Legacy of ‘The Fantasticks’ Lyricist and Librettist

Tom Jones, Lyricist and Librettist of Long-Running ‘The Fantasticks,’ Dies at 95

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August 12, 2023

Tom Jones, renowned lyricist and librettist, passed away at the age of 95 in his home in Sharon, Conn. Known for his work on the long-running musical “The Fantasticks,” Jones leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of theater and music.

Jones and his collaborator, the late composer Harvey Schmidt, created the musical allegory “The Fantasticks,” which debuted off-Broadway in 1960 and astoundingly ran for 42 years. This heartfelt and captivating musical is fondly remembered for its opening song, “Try to Remember.”

Born in Littlefield, Texas, on February 17, 1928, Jones attended the University of Texas at Austin where he first crossed paths with Schmidt, with whom he would form a lifelong creative partnership. After serving in the Korean War, Jones relocated to New York and embarked on his theater career by writing for the revues produced by Julius Monk, a prominent impresario of that time.

Early on, Jones also collaborated with composer John Donald Robb on “Joy Comes to Deadhorse,” a musical western inspired by Edmond Rostand’s 1894 play “Les Romanesques.” However, creative differences led to a split with Robb, prompting Jones to turn to Schmidt. Together, they continued to work on the piece, which eventually transformed into “The Fantasticks.”

In 1959, Jones and Schmidt presented a scaled-down version of their show at a summer festival at Barnard College, aptly titled “The Fantasticks.” The production caught the eye of producer Lore Noto, who championed its expansion into a two-act musical. On May 3, 1960, the musical premiered at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, with Jones playing the role of Henry, the Old Actor, and Jerry Orbach assuming the role of El Gallo, the narrator who delivers the iconic “Try to Remember” track.

Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, “The Fantasticks” achieved remarkable success. It continued to enchant audiences at Sullivan Street for over 17,000 performances until 2002, establishing itself as the longest-running musical in U.S. history. Jones and Schmidt’s creative partnership also flourished outside of “The Fantasticks,” with collaborations on other Broadway productions such as “I Do! I Do!” and “110 in the Shade,” both of which garnered critical acclaim.

Jones received Tony nominations for “I Do! I Do!” and “110 in the Shade,” and was honored with the Drama Desk Vernon Rice Award for “The Fantasticks” in 1961. A revival of “The Fantasticks” opened in 2006, directed by Jones himself, who also reprised his role as Henry, the Old Actor. The revival continued for over 4,300 performances until 2017, once again captivating audiences with its timeless charm.

Tom Jones leaves behind a notable body of work and a profound influence on the world of theater and music. His contributions to lyricism and storytelling shaped the landscape of musical theater, and his work will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Jones is survived by his sons Michael and Sam Jones from his second marriage to choreographer Janet Watson, who sadly passed away in 2016.

Rest in peace, Tom Jones, as your legacy lives on.