A Heavenly Musical

Forever Plaid – Drury Lane Theatre

Can you remember the last time you heard “Three Coins in a Fountain,” accompanied by an accordion, or the proud, Highland anthem, “Scotland the Brave,” or wallowed in the nostalgia of “Moments to Remember”? Well, unless you’ve found a radio station that plays the hit tunes from the 1950’s, it’s probably been a very long time, if ever! In Stuart Ross’ sweet tribute to the close-harmony male vocal groups of the Eisenhower years, we’re treated to a jukebox musical revue with a clever plot. For younger patrons, this Heavenly musical is a creative introduction to the hit songs of a more innocent, bygone era; but it’s a sweet trip down memory lane for every Baby Boomer in the audience.

The premise of this 90-minute show is clever and simple. Four talented high school boys, who met in the projection section of their AV Club, and then went on to develop their musical talents at the Osterizer School of Harmonic Theory (where they learned how to blend, puree, mix and chop their vocal style), came to a tragic end one night. This amateur boy band was finally about to make it professionally. They were heading out in their cherry red convertible to play a concert and record an album when they were hit by a bus of Catholic schoolgirls, on their way to see the Beatles. The young ladies were fine, but the four Plaids were all killed instantly. Now, due to some spiritual warp in the astral plane, the quartet’s been given more last chance to perform that concert of hit songs that was denied them before their shocking demise.

The production at Drury Lane is a bona fide, big time celebration, not only of the Plaids being given that one last opportunity to perform in the afterlife, but of the theatre’s long-awaited return to live performances. It’s been 18 long months since the lights darkened and the final curtain fell at this popular Oakbrook Terrace venue. Their excellent productions have been sorely missed. But, seemingly, no expense has been spared in this dazzling return to (almost) normal. The audience is, of course, masked but otherwise the mood is jubilant and jazzed.

Paul Stancato, a gifted Chicago director/choreographer who’s returned to his hometown from NYC, truly makes his mark. This production is electrifying. It’s as polished an event as we’ve come to expect at this theatre and a perfect way to kick off Drury Lane’s 2021-22 season. The cast is heavenly, each with a voice that might be labeled spiritually sublime. Handsome Michael Ferraro is Frankie, the leader of the pack. He keeps his three friends on task and propels the Plaids forward, as they nervously recreate a solid concert of their greatest hits. As a comedian, the actor knows no equal. He’s terrific! As a gifted singer, Mr. Ferraro has a warm, rich baritone that’s featured prominently in the boys’ rendition of “Heart and Soul.” 

But what makes this number especially fun and noteworthy is that second tenor, Sparky, played with sweet enthusiasm by multitalented Bryan Eng, slides onto the piano bench to accompany the quartet. Conductor and keyboardist, Valerie Maze, has supposedly left the stage for her union-guaranteed 15-minute break, taking the rest of her capable band members with her. Eng, who’s making his Drury Lane debut, is also featured in a rousing version of “Lady of Spain,” accompanying himself and the gang on the accordion. He also takes center stage in the group’s salute to Perry Como with “The Golden Cardigan” and “Catch a Falling Star.”

A.D. Weaver, whose smooth, soulful bass may be remembered from Mercury Theater’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” is also appearing at Drury Lane for the first time. Odds on, this won’t be his last! As Smudge, Mr. Weaver quickly wins over the audience with his boyish charm and enthusiasm, as well as with his rich vocals that are especially featured in the Tennessee Ernie Ford hit, “Sixteen Tons.” He also takes the stage when crooning Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang,” beautifully blending with his cast-mates.

This production is truly an ensemble piece, but one cast member might slightly edge out the others. A Chicago musical treasure, Yando Lopez, as Jinx, stands out by a note or two. This talented actor’s no stranger to Drury Lane audiences and has appeared at many other Chicagoland venues, as well. Mr. Lopez caresses every song with his honeyed, harmonious 1st tenor. His range seems endless and, after seeing Yando in many other pre-pandemic productions, his voice has only gotten better. As a mover, Mr. Lopez is a standout, as proven by his execution of Paul Stancato’s choreography and serving as the production’s dance captain. Yando impresses as he leads the Plaids in “Perfidia,” dedicated to the boys’ fictitious high school Spanish teacher, and in “Cry,” made famous in the 50’s by The Four Lads.

Visually this production is every bit as awe-inspiring as it is melodious. Scenic Designer Kristen Martino has created a massive, celestial stage setting, lined with color-changing plaid, that transports the audience into the Heavenly realm of the afterlife. The special effects created by this, mixed with the unearthly lighting design of Lee Fiskness, make for show-stopping surroundings especially suitable for the Plaids. Audiences will bathe in the glitter, confetti and even bubbles, as they enjoy the musical and comic antics of this gifted quartet, costumed to plaid perfection by Rachel Boylan. Welcome back to the theatre, Chicagoland! This production, a real blast from the past, is absolutely angelic.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 17-November 7 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 630.530.0111, or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.