Repertory Company Theatre presents FOREVER PLAID
Directed by Debra Carter
Music Director Jared Duncan
Choreographer Alvaro Carranza
Sound Operator CJ Partin
Lighting Designer Josh Hensley
Costumes and Set Design by Debra Carter
Piano Adam Sablich
Bass Joe Feldstein
My thoughts on Forever Plaid or…the singing dead
Repertory Company Theatre presents
Forever Plaid
Written and Originally Directed by Stuart Ross
Music Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt
Directed by Debra Carter
Music Directed by Jared Duncan
Piano: Adam Sablich
Bass: Joe Feldstein
Voice Over: John Stuart
So, it seems there has been a tragic accident and four promising young singers known as The Plaids have been killed and passed on to their heavenly reward. Well, they are back for one last earthly encore, and it is we who receive a reward that it is heavenly.
The Plaids are precursors to the boy bands of the nineties, just with a kinder, gentler sound and less flamboyant, but even more intricate, choreography. Indeed, Alvaro Carranza’s choreography to each and every song is one of the great joys of this show. The Plaids perform mostly ballads from the fifties and early sixties such as “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” but also some comic numbers including a salute to their high school Spanish teacher “Pefidia,” a hilarious take on the Beatles “She Loves You,” and a hysterical send up of the “Ed Sullivan Show.” Some of the references in the show are specific to the era, and I admit to having to Google Perry Como when I got home, but the songs are all enjoyable whether they are familiar or not.
Everything about Forever Plaid is smooth, from Director Debra Carter’s direction to the music directed by Jared Duncan to the smooth sounds coming from Adam Sablich on the piano and Joe Feldstein on the bass. Josh Hensley supplies the lighting that keeps the mood of the show mostly mellow, but also highlights the more rousing numbers. Debra Carter’s costumes keep the four guys always looking sharp in their retro outfits.
And what a foursome this is. Phillip Slay, Jared Duncan, Christian Black, and Kyle Holt produce exquisite harmonies and outstanding solos. This is ear candy of the highest order. The medley of “16 Tons” and “Chain Gang” was a particular favorite of mine, but every song is beautifully performed. These four men are all incredible singers and equally adept at the comedy, patter, and smooth moves the parts require.
Forever Plaid is a metaphysical concert full of toe tapping and hum along tunes that will leave you wanting more. The Plaids may not be angels, but the music they produce would have St. Peter snapping his fingers.
