The main theatre at the Goddard Center in Ardmore is getting a make-over so the Ardmore Little Theatre has been quite challenged on finding appropriate places to perform.Duetothis,“Forever Plaid” was performed at Marvin’s Place Art Gallery in the Historic Downtown Ardmore District.
Plaid Tuxedos - a quartet, and a pianist playing a piano older than many of the patrons - is reason enough to take an adventure to Ardmore. However, a show performed in a building that has remained time-period appropriate of the play is a pleasant bonus.
“Forever Plaid” is a story about a quartet group who are on the way to pick up their new custom-tailored tuxedoes in preparation for their biggest gig ever. The storytakesaseedyturnwhen a school bus broadsides their car and brings all the band members (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Sparky) to their sudden, and early death.
The plot was set by an explosive opening and even though the play bears the name “Forever Plaid,” the group is dressed in ghost white tuxedo jackets. Even though they were aware of their demise, the group realize that they have came back to life and are on the stage of the performance that they had scheduled before a sudden death. Each member is introduced, then the pianist receives a humorous intro and is said to come with the gig. Make no mistake about the presence of the pianist as she clearly led the play. The story was an eclectic mix of story skitsandwonderfulharmonious quartet songs. The blend also included a few solo songs that truly rocked the house.
The conclusion wasn’t as sudden as the bands original demise, though. It included some spectacular acting and songs that led the guys to the inclusive realization that this was their last performance and must return to where they went after the accident.
The guys didn’t exactly fade away after realizing why they returned, they gave the performanceofalifetime.The spectators seemed to be on the edge of their chairs the entire time. The whistles, applause, and roar from the spectators was a show in itself.
As if the show wasn’t enough, the venue was a sight to be had. It was in the back of the gallery in a room with original wood paneling stained with shellac. The ceiling sported the original stamped metal and dental edging, and the seating was an array of chairs from a range of time periods that brought the entire performance to a spectacular level. One might say the show was magical as it somehow took the cast, crew, and audience on a time capsule journey right back to 1950 when the original band was alive and well.
In spite of being out of place, ALT and Director Corey Hays, not only nailed the performance they knocked it outofthepark.Foraschedule of events, go to ardmorelittletheatre. com or call (580) 223-6387.