FMPAT Entertains With Forever Plaid

When was the last time you saw a capsule version of "The Ed Sullivan Show" in two minutes and fifty-seven seconds?  Or participated in a calypso sing-a-long?  Or heard a tribute to the great Perry Como?  If you can't remember, then it's time to go to the Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre and see their current production of Forever Plaid.

Forever Plaid, a tribute to the sounds and sights of the 1950s, was conceived by Stuart Ross.  It opened Off-Broadway in 1990 and lasted for over four years.  The show is now a staple of regional theatre and has been performed recently in Las Vegas.  The thin plot which holds the musical numbers and dialogue together concerns a four-part harmony guy group, the Forever Plaid, which gets together for one last reunion.

The standout performance of the evening was given by Doug Miller as Sparky, the baritone of the group.  Mr. Miller was thoroughly engaging.  He has superior vocal qualities which he put to excellent use in his solo "Perfidia."  All of his stage action was embellished by a 500-kilowatt smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  Whether he was demonstrating the dance moves in "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby" or playing a one-handed piano rendition of "Heart and Soul," it was impossible to take your eyes off him.  Mr. Miller is so delightful he would make a perfect stuffed animal.

Eric Domuret portrayed Jinx, the tenor.  He scored high with his solo, the Elvis Presley-like "Cry."  As Smudge, the bass of the group, Jacob Villarreal can really hit those low notes!  His rendition of "Sixteen Tons" went as deep as a canyon.  Frankie, the second tenor, was played by Mark Mullino.  He was genuine fun as he lead the audience in the singing of "Matilda."

 

Mr. Mullino directed the piece with loving care.  The 75-seat Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre was the perfect venue for an intimate show like this, and he made the most of it.  The cast members frequently went out into the aisles and mingled with the audience.   The tables were turned when a perky audience member named Barbara was invited into the act and danced with Forever Plaid.  Even Box Office Manager Nan Moser was involved in the action toward the end of the performance.

Todd Hart has expertly choreographed the Guys' "moves."  Watch out for those plungers!  Scott Kirkham has designed the accomplished set and lighting used in the production.  The on-stage combo consisted of Vonda Bowling at the Piano and David Odegaard on Bass.  They provided excellent musical accompaniment.  Miss Bowling was most expressive as she played.  Her facial expressions were a joy to behold—whether she was wearing a big straw hat as part of the Calypso number or her announcement to the group that it was time for her break.

Everybody on stage at Forever Plaid is having a great time and so will you.  If the idea of hearing "Three Coins in a Fountain" or "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" singing live in perfect four-part harmony appeals to you, then go to Forever Plaid.  Even if you're not a big fan of this type of music, you'll enjoy the tomfoolery on-stage.  Forever Plaid continues through November 4 at the Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre and has a return engagement from December 7 to December 23.  For more information, please visit the Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre website.

 

Photo 1:  (Back) Eric Domuret, Mark Mullino; (Front) Doug Miller, Jacob Villarreal

Photo 2:  Mark Mullino, Eric Domuret, Jacob Villarreal, Doug Miller

Photo 3:  Eric Domuret, Doug Miller, Mark Mullino, Jacob Villarreal

Photo Credit:  Scott Kirkahm

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