Theater Review: 'Forever Plaid' at Bus Barn: You'll be charmed, I'm sure Theater Review: 'Forever Plaid' at Bus Barn: You'll be charmed, I'm sure (January 26, 2005)

By Bryan Wiggin

Almanac Theater Critic

Bus Barn Stage Company in Los Altos has a very appealing show onstage.

"Forever Plaid," conceived by Stuart Ross, is a melange of nostalgia-laden songs from the 1950s and early 1960s. The patter that interleaves them may not always be snappy, but the show in toto will charm any but the most obdurate.

In 1964, the members of Forever Plaid, a male vocal quartet in the vein of the Four Freshmen, the Four Preps, and many other Fours, are driving in a car to pick up their new, plaid tuxedos. They're hit by a school bus filled with Catholic girls on their way to the Ed Sullivan Show to see the Beatles -- the Fab Four that pushed every other four offstage.

The Plaids are killed and have been waiting in heaven for a chance to put on their show. Being 44 years out of practice, they're pretty scared. There's a lot of nervous stammering and twitching, and after several songs have gone by, this unrelenting stage fright begins to feel a bit bogus. But that's the only complaint I have.

Mark Alabanza, Sean Fenton, Will Perez, and Justin Weatherby compose a quartet that's tilted toward the brighter end of the vocal spectrum, with Mr. Fenton sinking occasionally into the baritone range. He does this particularly well in "Sixteen Tons," that coal mining song, where his lowest notes are given solid breath support.

Smooth, sweet harmonies are the earmark of this ensemble, and it's only rarely that the vocal blend is a wee bit out of focus.

The first song is "Three Coins in the Fountain," setting the nostalgic mood of the show. In "Moments to Remember," one can almost smell the burning leaves of autumn on the day of The Big Game.

But the next number, "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby," is full of bounce and verve, with some percussion effects added when long-handled plumber's friends are pushed onto the stage floor and then pulled off with syncopated pops.

Another nice touch is the staccato delivery of "Perfidia" -- to which is added "... idia, idia, idia." Mr. Fenton gives a heartfelt throb to "Cry," the song that made Johnnie Ray a heartthrob until Elvis Presley ran everyone out of town.

"Caribbean Plaid" is a medley of Calypso songs that has just the right rhythm and color. There is a salute to Perry Como in "Catch a Falling Star," and a funny, misguided tribute to the Beatles in the blandly blended "She Loves You, Yes Siree."

The high point of the production is a frantic three-minute parody of the Ed Sullivan Show that includes an accordionist singing "Lady of Spain"; a barking seal; a juggler; a Wagnerian soprano; the Singing Nun; Toppo Gigio; some fire eating, and a lot more. It's a terrific three minutes.

The final number, "Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing," is sweetly sung, but as a finale, it's weak. After all that's gone before, what's wanted is a conclusion with some punch.

The talented cast is smoothly blended by director Barbara J. Cannon, aided by musical direction from Michael Langham and choreography from Shannon Stowe. Piano and bass accompaniment are tastefully supplied by Jonathan Erman and Danny Min.

"Forever Plaid" draws both laughter and applause from the audience -- even from me. It's a very enjoyable show. So, go enjoy it.
INFORMATION @info text:"Forever Plaid," by Stuart Ross, is being presented at the Bus Barn Stage Company in Los Altos through February 12. For information, call 941-0551.

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