Media Theatre's FOREVER PLAID Heads Back In Time

The pop hits of the 1950's and '60's were pleasantly memorable, with melodies that were light and romantic plus lyrics that were easy to remember, so singing along to the radio hits was an easy habit to get into.

The talented quartet of "Forever Plaid", at The Media Theatre August 8-25, brings some of those hits back to life. It's a professional production with a live band on stage to add to the fun.

The musical follows the plight of four young guys who were in a car crash after graduating from high school, so their dreams of making it big never happened. They are granted one more night on Earth to have a special one-night-only concert in the present day, without realizing times have changed.

The comic musical revue features songs such as "Three Coins In The Fountain", "Cry", "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing", "Rags To Riches", "Sixteen Tons", "Perfidia" and more.

The four guys are played by Austy Hicks, Zack Krajnyak, James Ofalt, and Carl Nathaniel Smith.

Austy Hicks, of Wayne, plays the role of Jinx. He was last seen at Media as Enoch Snow Junior in Carousel, and the role of Peter in Diary of Anne Frank. He is the winner of The Media Theatre's "Vocalist" contest (2013). Most recently he was seen as Peter Pan with Disney Cruise Line. He was also at Limelight as Joseph in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of OZ.

Zack Krajnyak is Sparky in the quartet. Originally from near the Williamsport, PA, region he now resides in NYC, pursuing his career as a professional performer. He was last seen at Media in Ghost and Dogfight. His other credits include John & Jen at Siren & Sailor Theatre Co., as well as Sweeney Todd with Theatre 2020 in NYC.

The role of Smudge is played by James E. Ofalt, returning to Media after appearing in last fall's critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd. He has played the role of Smudge in Plaid Tidings, the holiday-themed sequel toForever Plaid, at Montgomery Theatre. He was also seen in The Producers at Bristol Riverside. When not on stage, he performs as a healthcare clown for Healthy Humor, Inc., at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The leader of the group, Frankie, is played by Carl Nathaniel Smith. A Philadelphia actor, Carl is taking his third turn at playing the role which he has done in Plaid Tidings at Montgomery Theatre. At Media, Carl has been seen inSaturday Night Fever, The Wizard of Oz, Carousel, and Billy Elliot. He has performed several shows at The Hedgerow including Pride and Prejudice and Godspell.

To see and hear these talented young men in Forever Plaid, which is on Thursday nights at 7pm, Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm August 8 through August 25, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

Pictured: Carl Nathaniel Smith

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