Tom Jones, who wrote the book and lyrics for a modest musical called “The Fantasticks” that opened in 1960 in Greenwich Village and ran for an astonishing 42 years, propelled in part by its wistful opening song, “Try to Remember,” died on Friday at his home in Sharon, Conn.
Mr. Jones and his frequent collaborator, Harvey Schmidt, first worked together when they were students at the University of Texas — Mr. Jones in the drama department’s directing program, Mr. Schmidt studying art but indulging his musical inclinations on the side.
They kept in touch after graduating, writing songs together by mail after they were drafted during the Korean War.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Robb called that show, which was loosely based on a comedy by the French playwright Edmond Rostand, “Joy Comes to Deadhorse,” and in 1956 they staged it at the University of New Mexico, where Mr. Robb was a dean.
It was a big-cast production that included a small squadron of dancers.
Persons:
Tom Jones, ”, Conn, Michael, Jones, Harvey Schmidt, Schmidt, Julius Monk, John Donald Robb, Mr, Robb, Edmond Rostand, “ Joy
Organizations:
University of Texas, University of New
Locations:
Greenwich Village, Sharon, New York, French, University of New Mexico