Last Weekend to catch “Forever Plaid”

by Jeff Shannon

This weekend is the last chance to catch “Forever Plaid”at the Lake Ontario Playhouse in Sackets Harbor.

This tribute to the “guy groups” of the 1950’s was originally performed Off-Broadway in 1990, but has since been performed internationally. The story centers around “The Plaids”, four high school friends who dreamed of recording an album. They land their first big gig at the Airport Cocktail Lounge, but on their way to pick up their custom made plaid tuxedos, they are broadsided by a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to watch the Beatles’ debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. The girls aren’t hurt, but The Plaids are killed instantly. This is where the play begins, with the Plaids returning from the afterlife for one final chance at musical glory.

“Forever Plaid” stars Dan Davis as Sparky, Kevin Kitto as Jinx, Jim Goodenbery as Smudge, and Steve Petrillose as Frankie. Directed by Terpsie Toon and with Musical Direction by Rich Muller, “Forever Plaid” features such 50’s jukebox classics as “Three Coins In The Fountain,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Catch a Falling Star,” “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing,” and many more. 

I asked Kevin via e-mail why this particular production.  He answered, “First off - The MUSIC! It’s wonderful to perform these classic hits. Also, the show itself is zany and fun, a well rounded good time for anyone regardless of their age. Great Music & Good clean fun! It’s a win win for all! The show is a hour and a half of non-stop excitement. I have been told by many show-goers that they have never laughed so much and been so thoroughly entertained. One woman commented that she laughed so much her cheeks hurt!”

When I asked Kevin if there were any major obstacles in putting on this musical, he responded “Again, the Music. Finding four guys who have the right blend of voices to create the music that is featured in the show was crucial, as well finding four guys the audience would believe to be from the 50’s. Combining wardrobe, hairstyles and of course the shoes was a challenge, along with having custom tailored plaid tuxedos made just for the show.”

 

“Another obstacle was publicity. Some people have heard of or seen this show, but most people do not know much about it. Thanks to the local media, we were able to publicize this show by radio, television, newspapers and even on line! With out the wonderful press coverage, the public would not have responded as well as they have. We have had full 
houses at each performance, and we are truly grateful.”

 
The response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive. Kevin tells me that he received one e-mail from a couple who had seen the show six times, including the Toronto production, and “We can not tell you what a superb job the 4 men did with this performance tonight”

 

“Forever Plaid” is available with or without dinner. The last performances are Friday & Saturday at 6:15 (Dinner at 5:15), and Sunday at 1 pm (Brunch at Noon). Dinner and Brunch reservations are available at the Lake Ontario Playhouse box office at 646-2305. Show only tickets are available at Sherwood Florist, or at the Playhouse.

This is your last chance to catch this hilarious musical journey! 

The website for this local production of “Forever Plaid” is here

Photos courtesy of Thousand Islands Event Promotion and Kevin Kitto

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