Dean, who last appeared in The Fantasticks as El Gallo when the musical celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009, will return to that role July 25. He succeeds Edward Watts, who will exit the production July 24.

The cast also includes Bill Bateman (Gypsy, Hello, Dolly!), Matt Dengler (A Little Night Music), MacIntyre Dixon (Beauty and the Beast, Prelude to a Kiss), Tom Flagg (Will Rogers Follies, Oklahoma!), Matt Leisy (The History Boys), Anne Markt, Michael Nostrand (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Dan Sharkey (The Music Man, Show Boat), Juliette Trafton (Phantom of the Opera) and Charles West (Show Boat, Cyrano the Musical).

The Fantasticks is the world's longest-running musical, having played a record-breaking run of more than 17,000 performances in Greenwich Village. Harvey Schmidt wrote the music, and Tom Jones penned the book and lyrics.

The Fantasticks originally opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in May 1960 and closed Jan. 13, 2002. The original company included Wedding Singer star Rita Gardner and the late Jerry Orbach.

Book writer and lyricist Tom Jones staged the revival of The Fantasticks, which has choreography by Janet Watson. Terzetto LLC, Pat Flicker Addiss and MARS Theatricals (Amy Danis and Mark Johannes) produce.

The Fantasticks resumed performances Off-Broadway at the Snapple Theater Center's Jerry Orbach Theater June 16, 2008.

For tickets phone (212) 921-7862 or visit Ticketmaster.