Imagine being a semi-professional singing quartet on your way to record your first professional album and being instantly killed in a collision with a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles' American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.
If you can envision returning to the stage posthumously for the show that never was, then you ready for the toe-tapping jukebox musical adventure FOREVER PLAID at Jaeb Theatre at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, opening January 12.
Starring Nicky Endsley, Matty Colonna, Dick Baker, and Joseph Strickland as the delightfully goofy singing group, The Plaids, patrons can relive the 50s era where doo-wop and clean-cut quartets were king!
FOREVER PLAID features such nostalgic and timeless pop hits as Sixteen Tons, Chain Gang, Three Coins in the Fountain, Perfidia, Cry, Catch a Falling Star, Day-O, Gotta Be This or That, Matilda, and Heart and Soul.
Director Steven Flaa knows a thing or two about this particular musical; this marks his 25th time working as an actor or director for FOREVER PLAID. He said that he was proud to honor original staging and intent of the off-Broadway musical written by Stuart Ross.
"The harmonies are like melted butter," said Dick Baker who plays Frankie, the leader of The Plaids. "The Jaeb Theatre is stunning. It feels so big and yet so intimate. It has been so much fun and a fantastic, rewarding experience."
The message of FOREVER PLAID is to never take anything for granted and always appreciate what you have - life can be snuffed out in the blink of an eye.
"FOREVER PLAID is a tribute to the good guys, the nerds, the boys in audiovisual," said Steven. "It's a feel-good show with stunning music, harmonies and voices. The audience gets a chance to watch The Plaids fulfill their dream."
FOREVER PLAID RUNS January 12-March 11, 2018 at Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $42 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827), at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.
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