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"Forever Plaid" Opens in Newhall

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Contributed by: Patti Finley on 7/30/2007

Once upon a time, in the 1950's, there were four guys: Sparky ( Jeremy Wind), Smudge ( Tom Lund), Jinx ( Joe Roselund) and Frankie ( Garrett Finley), who loved to sing. They all met in high school, when they joined the Audio Visual Club. Discovering that they shared an affection for music and entertaining, they got together and dreamed of becoming like their idols -- The Four Aces, The Four Lads, The Four Freshmen, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts.

They rehearsed in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company. It was here they became Forever Plaid -- a name that connotes the continuation of traditional values, of family, home and harmony. Although rock'n'roll was racing down the fast lane like a candy apple red Corvette, they believed in their music.

As their sound developed, they sang at family gatherings, fund raisers and eventually graduated to supermarket openings and proms. They devoted themselves to their singing at nights and on weekends. Then finally, they landed their first big gig at the Airport Hilton Cocktail Bar, February 9, 1964.

En route to pick up their custom-made plaid tuxedos, they were slammed broadside by a school bus filled with eager Catholic teens. The teens were on their way to witness the Beatles make their US television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show and miraculously escaped uninjured. The members of Forever Plaid were killed instantly.

It is at the moment when their careers and lives ended, that the story of Forever Plaid begins. Through the power of harmony, and the expanding hole in the ozone layer, they are allowed to come back to do the show they never did in life.

"Forever Plaid" is an affectionate revue featuring the close-harmony songs of that era, which this group of boys practiced every waking moment of their lives. The songs include "Three Coins in a Fountain," "No Not Much," "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," "Moments to Remember," and many more. The Plaids are accompanied by Sean Massey on piano and Abe Santini on Bass.

The entire production is under the direction of Michael Davies (who also designed the set) with Greg Finley serving as assistant director and co-vocal director. Jack Matson is co-vocal director, Kamber Moen created the choreography, Janet McAnany designed the costumes and Tom Lund and Marc Steinfeld designed the lighting.

Take a trip back to a time when four-part guy groups harmonized their way across the airwaves, jukeboxes, and hi-fi's of the country. They wore dinner jackets and bow ties or cardigans and white bucks. Each move was drilled to precision. Each vocal arrangement soared to stratospheric heights of harmony. Join "Forever Plaid" at the Canyon Theatre Guild every weekend through September 1.

The show opens on Friday, August 3 with a champagne reception. Each performance will have a limited number of tables on the stage for those who enjoy being "part of the action." Dessert and coffee will be served at the tables which are priced at $24 - $27 per seat. Theatre seating is priced at $11 - $14 for juniors and seniors and $14 - $17 for adults. Reservations are recommended and may be made through the CTG Box Office, (661) 799-2702. The Canyon Theatre Guild Playhouse is at 24242 San Fernando Road in Downtown Newhall.

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