Review: ‘Forever Plaid’ is a fun blast from the past (Includes first-hand account)
When compared to cinema, one of the stage’s greatest advantages is its acceptance of minimalism. There are countless narratives that unfold in a single location with nominal set decorations, few to no costume changes and visible musical accompaniment. In addition to just being logistically simpler, it also demonstrates a confidence in the talent and quality of the work. Forever Plaid features four guys on a stage with a three-piece band and a few props … and that’s it.
Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie (Scott Beaudin, Matt Cassidy, Jeff Madden and Jonathan Cullen) — a.k.a. The Plaids — were on their way to a gig in 1964 when they were killed in a car accident. Now more than half a century later, they’ve been given the opportunity to perform the show that never happened for a live audience. There’s some understandable nerves to overcome, but they’ve been waiting for this moment their entire afterlives. Performing their original set of love songs, pop and calypso selections, Forever Plaid is determined to make their final concert a night everyone will remember.
Once the group takes the stage, the show begins as many concerts — with a few numbers and a little banter. Almost all of their songs are accompanied by some form of choreography, ranging from typical doo wop moves to endearingly goofy gestures. Typical of their individual personalities, their dancing abilities are also varied. Their interactions with each other and the audience are entertaining and engaging. They manage each other’s quirks, including nosebleeds, asthma and speech impediments, as well as reveal their exceptional and unbreakable bond via shared dreams and words of encouragement. There is a table on both ends of the stage and the actors are sure not to ignore its occupants, regularly serenading them and amusingly integrating them into the show.
In spite of the show’s fitting minimalism, they incorporate a variety of music and sketches throughout the 90-minute performance. Some of the more classical numbers include delightful renditions of “Chain Gang,” “Magic Moments” and “Papa Loves to Mambo,” while the calypso section includes lively executions of “Day-O” and “Matilda.” Slightly less traditional is their humble version of The Beatles hit, “She Loves You,” which actually turns into “She loves you / Yessiree Bob.” Finally, the most elaborate section of the show is a condensed version of The Ed Sullivan Show in which the actors very briefly portray more than a dozen of the program’s most popular guests.
In addition to being musically talented, the actors are charming and delightful. Their friendship is believable and their characters are very likeable. Comically, one of the most endearing aspects of the show was unplanned: a glass accidentally shatters on stage and the guys go about sweeping up while trying not to interrupt the narrative flow. Their efforts are both admirable and humorous.
Forever Plaid is playing in Toronto at the Panasonic Theatre.
