Displaying items by tag: Forever Plaid

Back by popular demand and bursting with harmony, MadKap Productions resurrected the beloved musical revue Forever Plaid for three jubilant encore performances at Skokie Theatre on August 16th and 17th. After its earlier-season success, this revival felt less like a return and more like a victory lap—richly earned and warmly welcomed.

If unfamiliar, Forever Plaid is a toe-tapping, heartwarming blast from the past that brings four lovable misfits back from the great beyond for one last shot at musical glory. Meet Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie—four sweetly square guys with a passion for pitch-perfect harmony and matching plaid blazers. Just as their dreams of stardom are about to take off, fate throws a curveball (okay, a car crash), and their big break is cut short. But thanks to a cosmic do-over, the Plaids descend from the afterlife to croon their way through a heavenly setlist of 1950s hits like “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Catch a Falling Star,” and “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.” What follows is a delightfully awkward, laugh-out-loud evening of music, mishaps, and mid-century magic as the boys battle nerves, forgotten lyrics, and the occasional nosebleed—all in perfect harmony.

But don’t let the retro kitsch fool you—Forever Plaid is more than just a jukebox joyride. It’s a love letter to friendship, second chances, and the kind of earnest charm that never goes out of style. With tight barbershop harmonies, hilariously clunky choreography, and a wink to the innocence of yesteryear, the show hits all the right notes. As the Plaids find their groove and rediscover the joy of singing together, they remind us that even the most unexpected encore can be a chance to shine. Whether you’re a sucker for nostalgia or just love a good harmony with a side of heart, Forever Plaid delivers a feel-good experience that’s equal parts goofy and glorious.

Directed and choreographed with pizzazz by Edward Lindham and musically supercharged by Jeremy Ramey, this production of Forever Plaid is a plaid-patterned rocket ride through retro heaven. Lindham leans gleefully into the group’s lovable awkwardness, turning every fumble and flinch into comedy gold, while Ramey’s musical direction keeps the harmonies tighter than a doo-wop group at a sock hop. The result? A toe-tapping, heart-thumping, harmony-hugging spectacle that’s equal parts sentimental swoon and vintage vaudeville—with just enough camp to keep things deliciously offbeat.

And the cast? LOVED each one of them! They don’t just hit their marks - they ignite the stage. Nick Arceo’s Smudge is the stealth standout, slipping in sly one-liners and velvety harmonies with the ease of someone who knows exactly how good he is. Sean M. G. Caron’s Frankie is a jitterbug of sincerity, radiating boyish wonder and crooning with a sweetness that could soften a soda fountain. Elijah McTiernan’s Sparky lives up to his name - he ricochets through the show with razor-sharp timing and a grin that dares you not to laugh. And Taelon Stonecipher’s Jinx? He begins as a whisper, but crescendos into a powerhouse—his final notes feel like a love letter from the afterlife, equal parts hilarious and haunting.

Together, they conjure a comeback that’s equal parts doo-wop séance and bromantic fantasia—a harmony-soaked hug from the great beyond, and utterly impossible to resist.

"Plaid-tastic!"

And if you've never been to Skokie Theatre, be sure to consider it as a great place to see a stage production. Since its establishment in 2010 by producer Wendy Kaplan and director Wayne Mell, MadKap Productions has played a pivotal role in the artistic revitalization of the Skokie Theatre. Upon assuming leadership of the venue in 2014, Kaplan and Mell transformed it from a dormant space into a vibrant cultural hub. Each season, MadKap presents a thoughtfully curated subscription series that spans a wide spectrum—from enduring theatrical classics to innovative contemporary works—ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for audiences of all tastes.

Having attended several of their productions, I can attest to the consistent quality and heartfelt execution that define MadKap’s approach. Their commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage. Throughout the year, the Skokie Theatre remains active with an eclectic array of programming, including live concerts, comedy showcases, and popular community events such as the Skokie Idol competition and the Short Play Festival.

The venue itself offers an inviting and intimate atmosphere. With general admission seating, early arrival is recommended to secure a preferred location; however, the thoughtful layout ensures that every seat provides a clear and comfortable view of the performance.

Next up – Pippin, starting September 5th. 

For more information and tickets to upcoming events, visit https://gopher-halibut-ga77.squarespace.com/.

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/! 

It seems strange to me that after all my years of writing theater reviews I have never seen "Forever Plaid". I am now one of the lucky ones to have seen this marvelous production of the hit show written by Stuart Ross at Theater at The Center with this "over the top" talented cast.

"Forever Plaid" is a tribute to the early American boy bands, the quartets like The Four Freshman, The Four Seasons and The Four Aces.  During that period audiences were wowed by the smooth moves and exquisite harmonies of the singers. 

In “Forever Plaid,” we find four young men with big dreams of their own who are played to perfection - Sparky (Matt Edmonds), Leader Francis (Adam LaSalle), Smudge (Christopher Ratliff), and Jinx (Yando Lopez).

Unfortunately, on their climb to fame their young lives are cut short when they are all killed in a motor accident on their way to a gig (their car being hit by a school bus of girls on their way to see The Beatles) and end up "singing for the Angels" or in this case, for us, their 'one night only' earthly audience members. 

The talented cast come to harmonious life brilliantly in such memorable and romantic songs as “Three Coins in The Fountain”, “Moments to Remember”, “No Not Much”, “Catch A Falling Star” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing."

I don't want my arms around you, no, not much
I don't bless the day I found you, no, not much
I don't need you like the stars don't need the sky
I won't love you longer than the day I die
You don't please me when you squeeze me, no, not much
My heads the lightest from your very slightest touch
Baby, if you ever go, could I take it maybe so
Oh, but would I like it, no, not much

The really intriguing aspect of this entertaining production is the way it is directed by Brenda Didier who was previously a choreographer. Didier directs this fabulous foursome of voices in such a way that their every move, their every hand gesture or look, at the audience or each other is also interpreted by their bodies, hands and eyes.  The movement value that Didier adds to this show has a remarkable effect on the audience when each harmony, each word and each sentiment of these beautiful classic lyrics come back to life (pardon the pun) and demonstrate just how amazing these harmonies are and how complex musically the quartets must devote themselves to each note. It is absolutely hypnotic!  

The thing I really love about this story is that Stuart Ross allows the four young men in the show express a little bit of their sadness at having their lives and road to stardom cut short but then as they recall their memories of long days of rehearsing, carefully choosing a name and costumes, early gigs gone wrong and one performance for a real superstar at the time, they realize that they really did achieve something with their short semi-professional careers - something wonderful they would have missed if they had never tried. It is interesting and still meaningful to performers today who may perform their whole lives and never achieve fame or stardom that a chance encounter with one true celebrity star, ends up being the crown jewel in their memory bank of validation as singers.

Perry Como is passing through their town (by chance or destiny?) on the night of one their gigs and Sparky, played with incredible vocal range and perfect comic timing by Edmonds, steals a portion of Como's broken-down vehicle so that he can invite Perry Como to their gig that night. They sing "Catch a Falling Star" in honor of Perry Como and Perry is so impressed he gives them his "golden" monogrammed cardigan as a parting gift - which the four treasure and enshrine literally forever! 

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
For love may come and tap you on the shoulder some starless night
Just in case you feel you want to hold her
You'll have a pocketful of starlight

Edmonds, LaSalle, Ratliff and Lopez light up the stage as the plaid-obsessed Forever Plaid quartet with their impressive harmonies and a wealth of well-executed humor. The foursome performs in front of a three-piece band, really putting all the pieces in place for an all-around entertaining show.

I highly recommend this funny and cheerful gem of a show for anyone who enjoys hearing superbly delivered classic songs and appreciates well-timed humor. Didier's choreography brings fresh life to each classic and perfectly showcases in new detail the amazingly talented quartet assembled for this show. 

“Forever Plaid” is being performed at Theater at the Center in Munster, Indiana through June 3rd. To purchase the revue’s very reasonable tickets at $42-$46 or to find out more show information visit www.theateratthecenter.com.