‘Forever Plaid’ set for stage at Triple Locks Theater
Heath Chaney, Donovan Rice and Luke Widder practice music from “Forever Plaid” with Jane Crow, who plays the piano in the production. “Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross will be performed at 8 p.m. May 5-6, 12, 20 -21 at the Triple Locks Theater and at 2 p.m. May 14. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – “Forever Plaid” will entertain you with some classic music and share an important message with audience members.
“It’s not about being famous,” said Luke Widder. “It’s about the experience and enjoying what you do.”
He, Heath Chaney, Andy Hall, and Donovan Rice play high school guys who form a band called Forever Plaid. They strongly believe their barbershop quartet music can still find a place in a world being taken over by rock and roll and soon land their first big gig. However, they don’t quite make it there. On their way to pick up custom-made plaid tuxedos an accident claims their lives, but they are blessed with the opportunity to come back and perform their show of a lifetime.
“It’s presented to the audience like there is a real concert going on,” Chaney said. “It’s kind of like a show within a show.”
He plays Jinx, who is a little shy and sings the highest notes, but often suffers from nose bleeds when he hits those. Widder’s character is Sparky, the class clown who likes to play jokes. Rice is Frankie, the perfectionist.
“He’s a perfectionist,” Rice said. “He’s uptight and always making sure the guys are on their mark and looking good. He’s not arrogant though. He’s just very dedicated.”
The final main character is Hall’s Smudge who is considered the worrywart of the group.
“The play has some drama in it, but it’s really more of a comedy,” Widder said. “It’s fun and upbeat and will be nostalgic for the older generation.”
Some of the better known songs the group will perform on stage are: “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Moments to Remember,” “No Not Much,” “Cry,” “SixteenTons/Chain Gang,” “Catch a Falling Star,” and “Love is a Many Splendored Thing.”
Director Susan Gordon was drawn to the play because of the music and the cast.
“The music takes me back to my childhood and the guys are just wonderful,” she said.
Gordon also is very appreciative of Musical Director Jane Crow, who is onstage playing the piano, and Sam Servais, who was in charge of choreography.
“When you cast the right people and have the right supporting crew it makes your job easy and you feel like you can just sit back and watch the show,” Gordon said.
“Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross will be performed at 8 p.m. May 5-6, 12, 20 -21 at the Triple Locks Theater and at 2 p.m. May 14. The box office opens April 24 for members and April 25 for the general public. For tickets, call 740-622-2959 from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday or performance days from 2 to 4 p.m. or visit www.footlightplayers.com. The theater is located at 685 N. Whitewoman St. and tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
