Harvey Schmidt, who co-created ‘The Fantasticks,’ dies at 88

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In this Jan. 13, 2002 file photo, composer Harvey Schmidt appears at the final performance of “The Fantasticks,” at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York. | AP Photo/Tina Fineberg, File

NEW YORK — The composer of “The Fantasticks,” the longest running musical in history, has died. Harvey Schmidt was 88.

His death on Wednesday was confirmed by Dan Demello, a publicist for the Off-Broadway show.

Schmidt teamed up with lyricist, director and storywriter Tom Jones on “The Fantasticks” as well as the Broadway shows “110 in the Shade” and “I Do! I Do!” Both men were inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1998.

“The Fantasticks” opened Off-Broadway im 1960 and remains one the most frequently produced musicals in the world, according to fantasticksonbroadway.com.

Associated Press

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