Four triple threats come out from this time capsule to recreate the scene. They are Perry Como-inspired —a boy band called The Plaids. In a car on their way to a big gig they are hit by a school bus of girls getting hoping to see The Beatles. The British Invasion changed the music scene, the metaphor reminds. The story doesn’t focus on the blood and gore that the car crash must have involved. Rather, it’s the group’s dashed hopes of getting their made-to-order plaid tuxedos that so disappoints. SPOILER ALERT: Just before departing to heaven, these tuxes DO arrive!
Drury Lane Theatre Gives Us Ear and Eye Candy Both
Twenty songs in 90 minutes—blended and harmonious—we have tuned into the easy listening radio station of that time. Cameos let us admire the range of the actor/singer/dancers. Mini-klieg light collages, floating disco ball diamond lights and more—Drury Lane Theatre’s stagecraft has that big budget Broadway feel. Most of all, these four talents are tight, tight, tight in their moves and song. From Three Coins in the Fountain to Harry Belafonte’s calypso, to 16 tons and what do you get? and more—there is, in this writer’s opinion, a goldilocks-right mix of tunes to keep us engaged and hungry for the next song.
Too bad we all have masks on—these mega-talented cast members can’t see how much everyone in the audience is smiling from start to finish. They are a HUGE part of this production’s appeal, in this writer’s view. It doesn’t seem to be blind casting as much as inclusive casting—with Asian dimpled musician Bryan Eng, wide vocal-ranged African-American A.D. Weaver, smooth moving Latino Yando Lopez, and the add-on Michael Ferraro, perhaps the only member of the foursome whom the mainstream (read: White) radio stations of that time would have played. Their multiracial combination—so unlikely for a real-world Plaids of the 50’s—is always a back-of-mind happy reminder that this is now, thank goodness, when Ozzie and Harriet get to share a bed.
There’s something more than a little corny about Forever Plaid, but perhaps you’ll agree that this is exactly the right lite note for everyone coming out from pandemic lockdown.
If you seek out theater experiences that crack open your mind to new thoughts and dimensions, Forever Plaid is likely missable. If you love entertainment for entertainment’s sake, and especially as a chance to admire young energetic talents, this is a top pick for your time.
