Forever Plaid
By Ardis Hendrick
"Sherman, set the Way-Back Machine for February 9th, 1964." Picture this--a group of four talented young male singers, The Plaids, are riding in a cherry red convertible, bound for their first really big concert. Coincidentally, a busload of Catholic High School girls are on their way to another "really big shew"--the Ed Sullivan Show--to see the Beatles.
Sylvia's Class Act Dinner Theatre has got the picture, and they are ready to bring their audiences entertain-ment at its liveliest. Produced and directed by Edward James, the Class Act's ace-in-the-hole, who sometimes takes to the stage himself, a seemingly morbid theme comes to life in a hilarious manner.
The encounter of the two groups sends the boys to meet their maker. Now they are some-how allowed to come back to earth for one night only to recreate the concert that was never to be. It's the "greatest come-back since Lazarus!" The guys return to earth complete with the neuroses and allergies they left behind. Each has his own distinct reaction to the unique situation they find themselves in, adding to the charm of this musical comedy.
In "reality," The Plaids have made this particular trip before. The theatre brought them originally four years ago and now they're back, as Plaid as ever. eternally Plaid. This time around, the set is darker, classier and moodier. It resembles an old theater stage reminiscent of Portland's own pre-furbished Para-mount, with plaid accents, of course.
These not-ready-for-prime-time players may seem a bit rusty as they warm up to their predicament and make the best of it. But give 'em a break--they haven't performed together for 35 years! Besides, it's part of the fun, watching them struggle but eventually finding their way back to the dynamic group they must once have been.
The Plaids had been ready to go the distance. They had big plans. After all, the Beatles were proving that "guy groups" were back in style. They had several albums planned, even had the art work ready. There would be the first release The Plaids in a Blue Mood. Then of course, the Christ-mas album Plaid Tidings! Ulti-mately, they knew they could hit the big time with Plaid Road. That would show those upstart Brits that the Yanks could still compete in the pop music field, even barefoot, if that's what it took.
For this venture, a mini-band backs up the group. The pianist is played by musical director Bill Wells, a versatile and professional musician. As part of the story, Wells is also a musician's union member, and at one point he takes his guaranteed "union break." That sets the stage for some funny business involving The Plaids' singer "Sparky" (Scott Weimar), who fills in on piano in a pinch and even gets an audience volunteer to help him nail down the melody to the Hoagy Carmichael classic, Heart and Soul. Weimar lists among his credits the starring role in Paula Production's The Incredibly True Story of Ed Wood Jr.
The second band member, for the showing this writer observed, is stand-up bass player Jeff Soule. He bowed and plucked his way masterfully through the evening's demanding performance. The song list covers just about all the musical bases. Referred to as "Uncle Chester" (you gotta see the play to find out why!), Soule looks the part of a hep-cat musician of the era, dressed in black and topped off with a beret. The musi-cians provide a solid, unobtrusive background for The Plaids, except when the script calls for further in-volvement.
Without giving away all the good parts, some of the highlights must be addressed. The high point just might be The Plaids' send up of the Ed Sullivan Show--in three minutes, 11 seconds! Accompanied on accordion by Jinx (James Bur-back) to the tune of Lady of Spain, the audience recognizes all the usual and unusual acts that for-merly graced Sullilvan's stage, on their way up or down the ladder of success. This little skit leaves the audience in hysterics every time, guaranteed.
A hilarious version of Crazy Bout Ya Baby features The Plaids using gigantic plumbers' helpers as mike stands. This one is a stretch for the band, since that was the only way they had ever practiced this number. The group later mines the working-man-song quarries for a medley of Sam Cooke's Chain Gang and the wonderful Sixteen Tons. Listen for the mean finger poppin' by the pianist and the heavy duty bass lines laid down on the massive stand-up bass. Then there's the legend of the Golden Cardigan, inspired by a chance meeting with one of the group's idols, Perry Como. That leads into a medley that includes Catch a Falling Star. At one point, The Plaids even go calypso, garnering a very warm audience reception.
The sound is bigger than one would expect from just four voices and two instruments. Each member gets a chance to solo and de-velop their characters as the play progresses. On Cry, Jinx (James Burback) takes awhile to warm up due to his nerves, but ultimately belts out one sweet lead. The Leader of the Pack, if there is such a thing in this ensemble, Frankie (Wade J. Willis) brings impressive credentials to the stage and displays a smooth lead styling on the aforementioned Heart and Soul. Smudge (Peter Moseler) shines on the moving Shangri-La. Sparky (Scott We-imer) gets a chance to show off his pleasing tenor as well as his piano playing. All in all, each gets at least one song to showcase their talents.
As the play winds down, Frankie convinces his gang how great it was to get a chance to live their last, biggest dreams and how good it feels to be inside that special musical groove. In search of that lost chord, the play leads to a wonderful finale of Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing. This is as close as you can hope to get to heaven on earth, folks.
While the songs covered here may appeal to an older crowd, it's fun for one and all. Baby boomers and those a bit older would prob-ably get the most out of this show. The play moves along at a high speed, with no intermission, but it's so much fun and engaging for the audience, it's over before you know it.
Forever Plaid will be showing at Sylvia's Class Act Dinner Theatre through Aug. 15. This heavenly musical hit will book up fast, so make reservations for a wonderful dinner or Sunday Brunch at the always reliable restaurant and theater. How about a Father's Day outing that's sure to create a happy memory that will stay with you far longer than the wonderful pasta!