Forever Plaid

Hale Centre Theatre presents Forever Plaid

GILBERT, AZ (May 18, 2010).

Show Summary

One of the most popular and successful musicals in recent memory, this deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was.

Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the "Plaids" are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the '50s. The harmonizing quartet sing a series of well-loved '50s-'60s songs, and perform comedy antics which includes a Perry Como tribute, Calypso music and a hilarious re-enactment of The Ed Sullivan Show--jam-packed with plate twirlers, jugglers, impersonations and even Topo Gigio all in 3 minutes and 11 seconds.

Hale Theatre is proud to welcome newcomer DeVal Johnson as Sparky .He has had featured roles in Oklahoma!, Kiss Me Kate and Annie Get Your Gun. He is an accomplished singer/songwriter and can be found performing around the valley. His music is available on iTunes. He is currently working on orchestrating an original musical called The American Dream and hopes to have it finished later this year.

Also, new to the Hale Theatre stage is Devon Johnson as Jinx (no relation to DeVal Johnson). Music has always been a part of Devon's life, and has played as Benny in Guys & Dolls and Freddy in various productions throughout the valley. Devon has also performed in many choirs in the collegiate and high school level.

We are pleased to welcome back Stephen Erek as Francis. Stephen was most recently seen as Steven Kodaly in last fall's She Loves Me. He has been most recently seen as Stine in City of Angels, Michael in I Do, I Do! and as the Baker in Into the Woods at other venues here in the Valley.

Nathan Turley as Smudge is excited to be back on the Hale stage after appearing in No Time For Sergeants and Oklahoma! He has been seen around the valley as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady as well as in productions of Kiss Me Kate, Once Upon a Mattress and Music Man. Nathan enjoys singing, dancing and loves to perform at any opportunity.

Also returning is Michael Bryce as Director & Music Director. Michael has acted, music directed, directed, or produced over 75 musical productions over his career. He has received multiple ariZoni theater awards of excellence, including Best Actor in a Musical for Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, and Best Music Direction for Sound of Music, Joseph..., and Fiddler on the Roof here on the Hale Theatre stage. Mr. Bryce is a teacher at Mesa Community College, lead pastor at Centrestage Church in Mesa, and is pleased to present Forever Plaid here at the Hale Centre Theatre.

David Dietlein says, "The Hale's "theatre in the round" stage has been transformed into a "thrust stage" for this production, it is truly amazing and something you have to see."

"This show will take you back to sweeter times," says owner/director David Dietlein, "audiences are definitely in for a real treat

Since Forever Plaid first opened in New York on May 20, 1990, it received unanimous rave reviews and ran for over four years. It has gone on to spectacular worldwide successes. It was written directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross and vocal arrangements by James Raitt. Forever Plaid has been a sensational hit, provoking laughter and tears (sometimes at the same time). Audiences of all ages have adored the ‘50s and’60s music, wholesome story, and never-ending comedic banter of ‘Plaid.’

Performance dates and times

May 27 to July 10, 2010. Performances are Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings at 7:30pm and Saturday Matinee’s at 3:00pm.

Prices

$22 Thursday Evenings & Saturday Matinees, $24 for Friday & Saturday Evening Performances. Tickets may be purchased online at www.haletheatrearizona.com or by calling the Box Office at (480) 497-1181

Box Office Hours

Monday through Wednesday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am to 7:30 pm

The Cast:

• JinxDevon Johnson (Mesa)
• SmudgeNathan Turley (Mesa)
• SparkyDeVal Johnson (Gilbert)
• FrancisStephen Erek (Mesa)
• PianistLincoln Wright (Mesa)
• Bass PlayerStephen Tessier (Chandler)
• DrumsWalt Partlow (Mesa)

The Production Staff:

• ProducersDavid and Corrin Dietlein
• Director/Music DirectorMichael E. Bryce
• ChoreographerAmanda Paige
• Lighting & Set DesignDavid Dietlein
• Costume & Prop DesignCorrin Dietlein
• Master CarpenterBrad Alger
• Set PainterLon Saline
• Stage ManagerLaszlo Layton
• Sound Board EngineerMatt Bowker