Musical Splendor
The Waterfront’s season is drawing to a close and they are going out a bang with their latest production “Forever Plaid”. It’s a joyous singing comedy packed with harmonious vocals and sly humor. Step back in time to 1964 and meet the “Plaids” a quartet of rambunctious, over zealous singers, who miraculously have come back from the dead (tragic accident on the way to a show) to play the concert of their dreams. If stage was their heaven, then they made it. For anyone who loves music from the 50s/ 60s sung by fresh voices with eye catching choreography, then don’t miss this absolutely charming evening at the Waterfront.
“Forever Plaid” is 90 non-stop minutes of toe tapping, song filled wonders complete with an disco ball and bubble machine. Written by Stuart Ross the original production received accolades from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Director Cameron Murray rose to his predecessors challenge, and recreated the same whimsy and vigor in Key West.
“Good evening, we’re forever Plaid and we’re dead,” said Sparky played by Marc Crow. The quartet also includes, Matthew Kennedy (Jinx), J.B McLendon (Smudge) and Jeremy Zoma (Frankie). Each bring their goofy personalities and even goofier plaid outfits to life with incredible vocal ability. Whether singing together in perfect harmony or performing solos, these actors / singers are clearly talented.
“We never sounded this good in life,” joked Jinx, (Matthew Kennedy). Well they do now performing such classic hits as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Catch a Falling Star,” “Chain Gang,” “Cry,” “Heart and Soul,” “Rags to Riches,” “Love is a Many-Splendored Thing” and many more. The audience emanated sheer joy during the Plaids rendition of “Matilda,” which encouraged everyone to sing along.
The Plaids have more fun and more flair than Yale’s Whiffenpoofs with equal expertise. Supporting the singers onstage is Michael Fauss, musical director playing on keyboards and Gary Rivenson, on bass. Always on target is the set design by Michael Boyer who easily transports the audience back to the time of Ed Sullivan type theaters.
So head to Plaid land! Performances begin at 8 PM. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015.
Marc Crow (Sparky), Matthew Kennedy (Jinx), J. B. McLendon (Smudge) and Jeremy Zoma (Frankie) are perfectly choreographed in “Forever Plaid”. Photo: Larry Blackburn
Waterfront Playhouse
Forever Plaid
May 10 to May 27, 2017
www.waterfrontplayhouse.org
