Singing Guide: The Fantasticks
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
If you want to learn how to sing like the cast of The Fantasticks, it's essential to explore the unique vocal techniques employed in their songs. The Fantasticks, which tells the story of two fathers who trick their children into falling in love, boasts a score by Tom Jones (not the Welsh singer) and Harvey Schmidt, filled with charming and memorable songs that require a particular vocal interpretation.
For example, "Try to Remember" is the show's signature ballad that requires a rich, almost operatic approach. You can develop this kind of technique by practicing vocal exercises that focus on blending your chest and head voice, such as the one in this video on chest voice and falsetto, among other singing techniques discussed in How to learn a song effectively. In contrast, "Soon It's Gonna Rain" requires a more conversational, lighter voice, as can be heard in this rendition by Liza Minnelli.
To sing The Fantasticks' score correctly, you will need to master vocal control and also understand the nuances of the lyrics and the style of the music. Articulation is one aspect of singing that's especially vital with the show's intricate wordplay and melodic patterns. You'll also want to work on your breath support, so you can sustain syllables for lengths of time and increase your vocal endurance. Additionally, you may want to explore the techniques discussed in the article on Pop/Jazz vs Classical singing, as the show's score is not traditional classical music or contemporary pop, but somewhere in between.
Some practical tools that can help you learn to sing like The Fantasticks' cast include Singing Carrots' vocal range test, which can help you identify the upper and lower bounds of your vocal range and compare it with those of famous singers, as well as our pitch accuracy test to help you hone your pitch-matching skills. Singing Carrots' pitch training is an interactive game that enables you to warm up your voice while also practicing singing in tune and on pitch. You may also explore the educational singing course that covers singing theory and practical tips, which may be valuable to developing a strong foundation.
So if you want to expand your vocal range, improve your breath support, and learn how to sing The Fantasticks' score with authentic style and technique, start by exploring the Singing Carrots' resources I've mentioned while listening to the original Broadway cast recording of the show. As you practice, always look for ways to improve and make each performance your best yet.