Photo Flash: First Look at Theatre at the Center's PLAID TIDINGS

 

Stuffed with such “Plaid-erized” Christmas standards as “Mr. Santa,” “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” PLAID TIDINGS is one holiday treat that is truly heaven-sent. Theatre at the Center Artistic Director William Pullinsi will direct the production starring Rod Thomas as “Francis”, Scott Stratton as “Smudge”, Frank J. Paul as “Jinx” and Jonathan Wagner as “Sparky”. CBS Chicago’s own Bill Kurtis also lends his celebrity voice for a special part in the production.

PLAID TIDINGS continues the story of the singing group whose lives were lost in an accident involving a busload of teens en route to see “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Encouraged by a heavenly phone call from Rosemary Clooney, the high-spirited boys of FOREVER PLAID are transported from the ethereal cosmos to stage a nostalgic holiday extravaganza for world-weary mortals on Earth.

A show for the whole family, PLAID TIDINGS combines familiar tunes from the ‘50s and ‘60s with traditional holiday songs and carols. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites like the riotous three minute and eleven second version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” - this time featuring The Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis!

The Artistic Team, led by Artistic Director William Pullinsi, features Musical Direction and Orchestrations by William Underwood and choreography by Nicole Miller. The design team includes Scenic Designer Ann Davis, Lighting Designer Shelley Strasser Holland, Sound Designer Barry G. Funderburg, Props and Costume Designer Brenda Winstead. The Stage Manager is Rebecca Green, the Production Manager/Technical Director is Ann Davis and TATC’s General Manager is Richard Friedman.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is Located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; and select Thursday evening and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $38 - $42. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions, are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Frank J. Paul (Jinx), Rod Thomas (Francis), Jonathan Wagner (Sparky) and Scott Stratton (Smudge)

Frank J. Paul (Jinx), Scott Stratton (Smudge), Rod Thomas (Jinx) and Jonathan Wagner (Sparky)

Frank J. Paul (Jinx), Jonathan Wagner (Sparky), Scott Stratton (Smudge) and Rod Thomas (Francis)

Jonathan Wagner (Sparky), Frank J. Paul (Jinx), Rod Thomas (Francis) and Scott Stratton (Smudge)

Rod Thomas (Francis), Jonathan Wagner (Sparky), Frank Paul (Jinx) and Scott Stratton (Smudge)

Rod Thomas (Francis), Scott Stratton (Smudge), Frank J. Paul (Jinx) and Jonathan Wagner (Sparky)

Rod Thomas (Francis)

Scott Stratton (Smudge)

Scott Stratton (Smudge), Rod Thomas (Francis), Jonathan Wagner (Sparky) and Frank Paul (Jinx)