It is February 9, 1964, and four young male singers have landed their first big gig at an airport bar, but on the way to pick up their tuxes, they are slammed broadside by a busload of Catholic teenagers. That’s where our story begins, as the boys are given a second chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the concert that never was.
They live again on Friday, October 15 at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Singing in ’50s four-part harmony, Forever Plaid showcases the upbeat music made popular in the ’50s by artists and groups such as Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, The Four Lads and The Ames Brothers and includes such hits as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Chain Gang,” “Heart and Soul” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.” This hilarious production is fun for the entire family.
Jinx, Sparky, Francis and Smudge.
Join Jinx, Sparky, Francis and Smudge in this musical comedy that centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash on the way to their first major concert, and now miraculously revived for second chance to fulfill their biggest dream and perform the show that never was.
Written and originally directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross, Forever Plaid is directed by Robert Randle, who has been the associate director for Ross on many productions around the world, including the holiday hit and sequel Plaid Tidings. “When most of us think of the ’50s, we think of Rock n’ Roll, greasers, hot rods, Elvis, Annette, Fabian, D.A. haircuts and teenage rebellion. But there was a ‘flipside’ to this era—the side of harmony, innocence and the sincerity of dreams. It was a time when every family worked hard to fulfill the American dream,” remarked Randle.
Three of the stars of Forever Plaid made their Barter debut in Barter Theatre’s 2009 production and are reuniting for this national tour. With numerous Broadway, regional theatre and television credits, Kevin Greene (Francis), Steven Douglas Stewart (Sparky) and Chris Vaughn (Smudge) lend their incredible vocal and performing talents that will have you singing along. Joining them will be Byron DeMent (Jinx) along with Scott Guthrie (swing), Lee Harris (piano) and Garrett Jones (bass).
You won’t want to miss this fun-filled American musical performed by a classic American theatre. During the Great Depression, Barter Theatre opened its doors in Abingdon, Virginia proclaiming, “with vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh,” beginning a grand experiment that has not only survived, but thrived. In 1946, the theatre was designated the State Theatre of Virginia. Two years later, Barter’s founder Robert Porterfield received a Tony Award for his contribution to the development of America’s regional theatre movement.
Currently celebrating its 77th anniversary, Barter is one of our country’s last theatres with a year-round professional resident repertory company and boasts an annual attendance of over 163,000 theatergoers — an astounding figure considering the theatre’s rural Appalachian location. Famous Barter alumni include Academy Award winners Ned Beatty (Network), Ernest Borgnine (Marty), Patricia Neal (Hud) and Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird); Tony Award winner Hume Cronyn (Hamlet); and Wayne E. Knight (Seinfeld), to name a few.
Today patrons pay with cash, but on two selected days during the summer, non-perishable food items are accepted for admission with all proceeds donated to the local food bank. Find out more about Barter Theatre at www.bartertheatre.com.
“Screamingly funny! Entirely enchanting, utterly entertaining, awesome! …will put a smile on your face, a hum in your throat and a tap to your feet.”–New York Post
“The laughter doesn’t stop! Delightful, original and funny!” –Associated Press
Forever Plaid plays on October 15 at 8:00 pm at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Tickets are $55 and $35 and can be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, performance Saturdays 10AM-2PM, by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org
