Previously seen on Broadway in Seussical and as a 2009 contestant on "Dancing With the Stars," Carter will step into the role of Matt, currently played by Matt Leisy, who will remain with The Fantasticks as The Mute.
He put in some extra rehearsal time Oct. 4 with Jones:
"Never in the 51-year-history of The Fantasticks have we opted to cast someone with Aaron Carter’s level of fame, instead quietly enjoying our reputation for giving many future stars their first professional performing gig," said lyricist-book writer Jones in a statement. "But when I saw the level of enthusiasm, professionalism and sheer talent Aaron brought to us, I knew that he would be an incredibly exciting addition to The Fantasticks family." Carter toured as the opening act for The Backstreet Boys, of which his brother Nick Carter, is a member. In addition to his self-titled debut album, he has released "Aaron's Party," " Oh, Aaron," "Another Earthquake" and the collection album "Most Requested Hits." He played Jojo/The Littlest Who in the Broadway cast of Seussical.
The Fantasticks also includes Bradley Dean (A Little Night Music), 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!), Addi McDaniel, 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 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.
