PlaidProduction&CastInformation

REVIEWS

From the Indianapolis Star - December 25, 2005
4-part harmony warms this show

Vocal harmony, like love, is a many-splendored thing.

And in "Forever Plaid," the show the Actors Theatre of Indiana has brought to the Zionsville Performing Arts Center, that splendor joins a zany -- if somewhat geeky -- story, sharp musical arrangements and a rich set to bring warmth and entertainment to a chilly evening.

In the 1950s, four young men form a vocal harmony group, the Plaids, after meeting in a high school audiovisual club. Frankie (Michael Dotson), Sparky (Don Farrell), Smudge (Scott Ganyo) and Jinx (Jon Lambert) are nice boys for whom life's chief joy is striving toward the seamless, four-part vocal harmonies of their heroes: the Four Lads, the Four Aces and (Butler University's own) the Four Freshmen.

But on the way to their first professional gig, a bus full of teenagers (headed to see the Beatles at "The Ed Sullivan Show") slams into their car, dispatching the Plaids to death and silent limbo. Decades pass. Then, by some wondrous act of providence, the boys get a chance to return to Earth to perform.

That show becomes our show, as the Plaids sing like the angels they are, swaying, finger-popping and bumbling (they are green kids, after all) through almost 100 minutes of mostly entertaining musical comedy.

If the book is disposable, it does establish a fun narrative on which to hang the production's 30 songs. These standards date from that musical era -- bookended by Bing Crosby and the Beatles -- when warm and close group harmonies, not screaming Stratocasters, were the basis of pop music. Songs include "Catch a Falling Star," "Shangri-La" and Plaid finale "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing."

The performance by Dotson, Farrell, Ganyo and Lambert is a tribute to the beauty of this nearly forgotten musical idiom of close-wrought vocal harmony. They bring enthusiasm, heart and soul and a harmony worthy of James Raitt's layered arrangements, aided by Terry Woods (piano) and Don Jenkins (bass).

Director Farrell (who also choreographs) adds sheen by again tapping Atlanta-based scenic designer Scott Sargent for another winningly stylish set.

From NUVO - December 28, 2005

Harmony with your joy

Lisa Gauthier

Forever Plaid
Actors Theatre of Indiana
Zionsville Performing Arts Center
Through Dec. 30

Terry Woods (musical director; top left), Scott Ganyo,

(bottom row, left to right) Don Farrell and Jon Lambert in

Actors Theatre of Indiana's 'Forever Plaid'

Add a little harmony to go with that joy this holiday season. Actors Theatre of Indiana is presenting a light-hearted, well-tuned Forever Plaid at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center.

The four members of the ’50 singing group The Plaids come back from limbo to perform the concert that they were suppose to the night they died. A little goofy, a little self-conscious after 40-plus years of no practice, the guys sincerely and sweetly take the stage for an evening of music, pre-rock and roll.

Michael Dotson, Don Farell (also the director/choreographer/producing artistic director), Scott Ganyo (Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down at the Alley), Jon Lambert (The Last Session at Theatre on the Square) and Jim Ream (chair of the University of Indianapolis’ Department of Theater) capture the innocence of the age to a T.

The four voices blend well, creating a sound that transports audiences back in time. Songs such as “Undecided” feature cute moves, and Farell is a hoot on “Perfidia.” Standout numbers include “No Not Much” and an impressive bass from Ganyo on “16 Tons.” But the best “number” was the Ed Sullivan Show in three minutes and 11 seconds. Watch for your favorite highlights. The Plaids go Calypso with “Matilda,” including a sing-along, and some lucky audience member gets to come on stage to help out with “Heart and Soul.”

The second half of the show the guys cut loose more, as their newfound material selves settle in, and the pace of the show picks up. While the first half sees them stumbling (on purpose), after intermission they have their groove back — for the most part. While the show is funny, there is just a tinge of sadness, since after the concert the guys have to go back. Where, no one really knows.

Pianist Terry Woods and bassist Don Jenkins provide steady backup in the musical department. Sets and costuming are fine, if not dazzling.

Forever Plaid continues Dec. 28 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27-$30. The Zionsville Performing Arts Center is located at 1000 Mulberry St. (the high school). Call 317-669-7983 for reservations.