‘Forever Plaid’ returns
Katie Legner
Staff Writer
The Company is proud to announce that “Forever Plaid” returns (by popular demand) to Meiley-Swallow this weekend.
While the piece was originally directed by graduate Angie Snodgrass, ’11, her former assistant director, Emily Schmidt, ’12, has taken over the project.
“Since ‘Plaid’ debuted last year, there was always talk of bringing the show back – even from Hal Wilde. So, when the four actors portraying the Plaids came to The Company and implored us for their help, it was easy to say yes,” said Schmidt.
Because of its simplicity, “Plaid” is not only easy to remount, but also a financially safe choice. In fact, Schmidt attests that the center section in Meiley-Swallow Hall is already close to sold out for all the shows this weekend.
That’s not to mention that the four original Plaids, Garrett Lutz, ’12, Bryan Renaud, ’13, Max Detogne, ’13, and Tanner Smale, ’12, according to Schmidt, have never stopped singing the music from the show – another contributing factor to an easy remount.
“Forever Plaid,” which has been called “feel-good” and “family friendly,” tells the story of four friends (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Franky) who met in high school and, because of their common love of music, formed a singing group.
Tragically, on Feb. 9, 1964, while driving in their cherry-red 1954 Mercury convertible to pick up costumes, the men were rehearsing their big finale when they were suddenly hit by a bus. All of them died instantly.
Yet, somehow, through the power of the cosmos and the planets and several other things the Plaids are unable to explain, they are given the chance to perform the show they rehearsed, but never got to perform while alive.
After they complete this “unfinished business” the Plaids will return to the cosmos to rest peacefully forever.
Schmidt said the show is “about having fun and relishing life.” Because this is a mantra many need to be reminded of often, the director also points out that “Plaid” is a, “show that everyone can connect to in some way.”
The Plaids will get the chance to come back to life and entertain four audiences this weekend. On Friday, shows are at 7:30 and 10 p.m. And, on Sunday they are at 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and seniors and $5 for adults.
By re-producing “Forever Plaid,” The Company, the student-led theatre organization on North Central’s campus, is fulfilling one of their ultimate goals – to put on student work.
“We’ve put on a few shows in the past couple of years and it’s one of the things we love doing and promoting. We always want to encourage students to come to The Company if they need help producing shows,” said Schmidt.