Retiring LCCC Theatre Director Jeremy Benjamin going out with favorite show 'The Fantasticks'

A special gift to a special person.That's how Broadway Sessions coordinator and director Joanna May Cullinan is viewing the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) production of "The Fantasticks," which appears through May 3 at the Stocker Arts Center's Cirigliano Studio Theatre.The show represents the perfect sendoff for LCCC Theatre Director Jeremy Benjamin, who is heading into retirement."'The Fantasticks' was a favorite of his, a production that he had done many years ago," she said. "It was sort of his dream show to be his swansong, so not only did he pick it, but he's our lighting designer."Also, he handpicked me as the director, so it's really a testament to what he's been able to accomplish with the college and sort of going out on a beloved show of his." Benjamin said as his 36-year career running the LCCC Theater program comes to an end, he found himself reflecting on the long journey."I've been truly blessed to work in such a productive and caring environment for my entire professional life and to have taught so many incredible students," he said. "In many ways, 'The Fantasticks' echoes the arc of my own career." Just as the theater director is in his fourth decade, "The Fantasticks" ran off-Broadway as the world's longest-running musical with 17,162 performances."The show endured because of its timeless themes, particularly those of love and life," he said. "'The Fantasticks' speaks honestly about growing up and falling in love — how beautiful, challenging, complex, and even disastrous those experiences can be."Despite how infuriating love may be at times, the show ultimately reminds us that it is all worthwhile." What Benjamin will forever remember is the show's power of imagination."With minimal scenery and a meta-theatrical approach, the production invites audiences to engage their own imaginations, relying on theatrical magic rather than spectacle," he said."In many ways, this philosophy captures why I have enjoyed my career so deeply — the belief that storytelling, creativity and human connection are at the heart of meaningful theater." Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net. with mugshot