Bucks County Playhouse is ‘Forever Plaid.’
By: Stuart Duncan
Forever Plaid opened in New York on May 20, 1990, and was written, conceived, directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross (with musical continuity and arrangements by James Raitt). According to the hard-working press agent, it received unanimous rave reviews (38 out of 38). It quickly spread across the country (indeed the entire world), including performances locally (Bristol Riverside Theatre, Off-Broadstreet and many more).
Forever Plaid tells the story of four unlikely heroes whose dreams of musical glory come true when they are miraculously returned to Earth. You see, the quartet was "snuffed out mid coda" when their car was involved in a collision with a school bus of eager teens on their way to see the Beatles’ debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Now through a hole in the ozone and some "astro technical stuff" the four friends come back to do the show they never got to do in life.
The show is back at Bucks County Playhouse for a fortnight, having already played at the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre for a week and in the Poconos as well. Sadly, this outing is not one of the best.
Oh, it’s got some good singing, especially from tenor Patrick Ludt and bass/baritone Kenneth Linsley, but it has a major fault that overpowers much of the evening. Since the entire show is based on a spoof of the "boy groups" of the 1950s, it would be nice if someone connected with the project has some idea of what was being spoofed. Unfortunately here the entire cast is in their 20s and so is director Matthew DiCarlo.
When, for example, you do a three-minute, 11-second retrospective of the Ed Sullivan Show, it would be great if someone anyone had seen the show itself. (Actually, some of the performers admit they tried to find it on YouTube.) When the skit is underscored by Ludt singing "Lady of Spain," it would be clever if he at least held an accordion (as the original did every time he did the act). When the Singing Nun is tossed in for her three-second bit, it might be clever to have her sing the only hit she ever had. The same with Señor Wences, Topo Gigio and the rest.
The same applies to a rather long bit about Perry Como; it might be well for someone anyone to search out the mannerisms that made Como such a hit and use them. A yellow sweater isn’t enough. Still, when Ludt sings, "Moments To Remember," or Linsley sings "16 Tons," you will be tempted to overlook the mugging that often replaces true humor.
Forever Plaid continues at Bucks County Playhouse, 70 S. Main St., New Hope, Pa., through Sept. 16. Performances: Wed.-Thurs. 2, 8 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4, 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets cost $23-$25; (215) 862-2041;www.buckscountyplayhouse.com

