the Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, July 6, 2006 7:00 pm
The heavenly hit “Forever Plaid” opens with a sold-out performance Thursday at The Loft at The Mill to begin TADA Productions’ sixth season.
The musical is about “The Plaids,” a classic 1950s all-male singing group, who return to Earth (thanks to a hole in the ozone layer) to perform the one big gig they never got a chance to do in life.
The evening of music and comedy features a hit parade of favorite tunes, including “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Rags to Riches,” “Cry” and “Chain Gang.”
Tony Award nominee Stuart Ross wrote “Forever Plaid.” Ross also is known for co-writing the Broadway musical “Starmites” as well Faith Prince’s off-Broadway, one-woman show “A Leap of Faith.”
A predecessor to the recent Tony-winning “Jersey Boys,” “Forever Plaid” is one of the most requested shows playing across the country. Director Robert D. Rook, in fact, is staging it for the fourth time in 10 years, including a recent TADA production in March 2004.
“We listened to our patrons and we are proud to bring to the stage a new, fresh production of ‘Forever Plaid’ that will please those familiar with the script and truly entertain first-time attendees as well,” Rook said. “This is one of the most talented casts I have ever seen interpret this show.”
Starring as the Plaids are Michael Tully, Steve Pearson, Buddy Miller and Scott Hegenbart. This is Pearson’s fourth “Plaid” production. Cris Rook is musical director, with accompaniment by Chad Houk.
TADA is dedicating the production to board member and set dresser Barton Johnson, who recently passed away.
“Forever Plaid” continues at 7:30 p.m. next Friday and July 15, 20-22 and 27-29 at The Loft at The Mill, Eighth and P streets. There are 2 p.m. matinee performances July 16, 23 and 30.
Tickets are $18 (Thursday-Saturday) and $15 (Sunday). For reservations, call 438-8232 or visit www.tadaproductions.info.