The Baton Rouge Little Theater is bringing Christmas classics to the Red Stick in time for the holiday season.
“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” opens this Friday.
Jack Wilson, professor of speech communications at Southern University and director of the play, said the show is a Christmas version of the critically acclaimed Off Broadway play “Forever Plaid.”
“Forever Plaid,” which has been running since 1990, tells the story of a four-person musical guy group from the 1950s named the Plaids. Wilson said this quartet’s dreams of stardom are ended when they collide with a bus full of Catholic school girls on their way to see The Beatles. Before the play begins, the audience learns that the Plaids have been given a chance to return from the afterlife to perform one last time.
“Plaid Tidings” continues this story line. The Plaids aren’t sure why they have returned to Earth, but they soon figure out that they are supposed to be spreading Christmas cheer, Wilson said.
Wilson said he loves the show, not just for the great music, but also for the cast.
“There are some really cool characters, and they put them in some really cool, imaginative settings,” Wilson said.
One of the reasons the show is so great is its subtle humor, Wilson said.
“If you have a somewhat warped sense of humor, you’re going to find a lot of double entendres and hidden meanings,” Wilson said. “But the characters are so innocent about it, and they never go for the laugh.”
Wilson said what sets “Plaid Tidings” apart from other Christmas programs is the nostalgic music.
“When you hear *NSYNC or Boyz II Men or the Backstreet Boys sing, you think this is something new,” Wilson said. “It’s not anything new … it’s that real tight four-part harmony that we just don’t hear much of anymore. We sing regular music, but it’s done in a different style. It’s not like going to hear your church choir sing.”
Although the show features mostly music from the 1950s, Wilson said the show will appeal to the entire family.
“It’s something that the older people that are familiar with the music love, but young adults and teens love it. And little kids love it too,” Wilson said.
“It’s visually very fun,” Wilson said. “It’s got lighting effects, sound effects, pretty music and bright clothes … it’s about two-hours long. So it’s not for itty-bitty babies. But young children come in, and they eat it up. It’s a lot of family holiday fun.”
Tickets and showtimes for “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” can be found at Baton Rouge Little Theater’s Web site – www.brlt.org.
—-Contact Sarah Aycock at [email protected]