Local enjoy chance to give direction

-- Suzie Harrison

Karen McBride, a Laguna Beach resident for 17 years, is lending her

musical talent as a director for the fourth year to The Camino Real

Playhouse.

The musical “Fantasticks” runs through the end of the month on Friday

and Saturday nights.

McBride enjoys the opportunity, she said, because she is a teacher of

voice and the production allows her to use the skills.

There are eight cast members from various places in the county. The

production began after eight weeks of rehearsal.

“It’s been real interesting for me,” she said. “The cast is just

fantastic, such nice people and so talented -- each brings to the

production something special.”

Tomes Jones and Harvey Schmidt wrote and produced the play in 1962.

McBride said it is the longest running off-Broadway musical and feels

their first joint venture “really hit the bull’s-eye.”

“It’s just great entertainment from beginning to end,” McBride said.

The Fantasticks can be seen at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the

house, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. For information or

tickets, call 489-8082.