Review: Hale Centre Theatre's FOREVER PLAID Christens New Theatre

Utah favorite FOREVER PLAID is the first production to be presented in Hale Centre Theatre's new home. The newly christened Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Theatre is an intimate space tucked within the striking new Mountain America Performing Arts Centre still under construction in Sandy.

FOREVER PLAID, written and originally directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt, is ostensibly the comeback concert of a fictional barbershop group that was killed in a car crash in 1964. Their spirits return to Earth to give one last performance that showcases their tight harmonies through a parade of treasured songs.

Directed and choreographed by Marilyn May Montgomery, the show is well staged and is a perfect fit for the sparkling new venue.

The harmonious performances, aided by the adept music direction by Kelly DeHaan, are impressive. The cast features Cameron Garner as Francis (double cast with Keith Evans), Chase Petersen as Smudge (double cast with Ricky Parkinson), Sean Bishop as Sparky (double cast with Jonathan Baker), Scott Sackett as Jinx (double cast with Will Perkins), Tanner DeHaan as the Pianist (double cast with Kelly DeHaan), and Mark Robinette as Uncle Chester (single cast).

The skilled costume design by Barbara Harvey Abbott is more exciting than a collection of tuxedos has any right to be, and the lighting design by Joshua Roberts and production and set design by Kacey Udey fill their roles admirably.

If you are a fan of FOREVER PLAID, you won't want to miss the chance to experience it in a brand new theatre that will be beloved for years to come.

FOREVER PLAID plays through November 15, 2017. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.halecentretheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Cameron Garner, Sean Bishop, Chase Petersen, and Scott Sackett

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