Forever Plaid
Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Stuart Ross
Musical Continuity and Arrangements by James Raitt
Directed by Aaron Adair
Produced by McKinney Repertory Theatre
Audience Rating: PG mild language and innuendo
Run Time: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available, ASL Performance August 3
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Volume
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: None of Note
Many decades ago, four friends set out in pursuit of their dream to record an album and tour in the style of their musical idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Sadly, on their way to a gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly – but their souls are given one more chance to perform before moving on from this world.
Forever Plaid as presented by McKinney Repertory Theatre knows exactly what it is, and executes “this fun revue… chock-full of classic barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies” with an infectious joie de vivre.
The quartet - Frankie (Jared Duncan), Smudge (Rocky Massey), Sparky (Blake Rice) and Jinx (Aaron Adair) - play so well together that your mother-in-law might ask you if they are a real musical group.
MRT has reset the house of the Courtroom Theater in a dinner theater style, with tables of various sizes seating 2 - 8 people. This gives the experience a feel reminiscent of the mid-1900s dinner clubs, which, when combined with the upbeat, familiar choruses of the set list, results in an evening of immersive feel-good nostalgia more commonly reserved for the winter holiday season.
The dinner theater layout allows Director Aaron Adair to utilize the entire first floor in his staging, and there are occasions of audience participation so be careful how enthusiastically you cheer or jeer at any given joke!
McKinney Repertory Theatre is also offering its first-ever dessert theater for this show. If you reserve table seating, desserts and coffee are served – contact MRT for details. If you prefer traditional theater seating, the balcony section is arranged in standard rows. Additional assorted beverages and snacks are available for purchase in both sections.
Oh – and since this is Summer in North Texas, I will add that the air conditioning was spectacular. Maybe even bring a light sweater.
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