08/27/2009
Author: Robert McKinney, Bristol Herald Courier
I must admit that I went to see Barter Theatre’s current mainstage production, "Forever Plaid," fully expecting and intending not to like it, to "darn it with faint praise," to coin a term.
I had seen it twice before at other places and, quite frankly, both productions had stunk worse than three-day-old fish or in-law house guests. Of course, I should have known better than to expect anything less than pure excellence from the Barter Theatre folks.
Barter’s "Forever Plaid" is an absolutely delightful trip back into a time in America when decency, cleanliness and family really mattered. Sure, as we skeptics are more than happy to point out, the late 1950s and early '60s had their dark sides such as segregation and the like, but it was also a time when families still had dinner together, when kids called older people "Sir" and "Ma'am," and when clean-cut guys such as The Lettermen, Pat Boone and Perry Como made the kind of music that parents and teenagers could enjoy together.
The fictitious foursome, The Plaids, were just such a group of guys weaving together tight harmony – at least until they were on their way to their first real gig when their car was broadsided by a school bus, sending the entire group into eternity. (None of the kids on the bus were even injured.)
It was the ultimate career ender, but, through the vagaries of time warps and celestial worm holes, The Plaids have been given the chance to return to earth one last time and do the concert that never was and, boy, is it ever.
Even youngsters who weren't even a gleam in anybody's eye in 1964 will enjoy this show and recognize many of the songs. Those of us who actually owned a pair of white bucks will positively swoon as we are over-washed by memories of where and what we were in that universe of dreams that we have pretty much long ago forgotten. There are hits such as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember," "Cry" and "Jamaica Farewell"; funny bits from the old "Ed Sullivan" show; and even unforgettable oldies such as "Sixteen Tons" and "Chain Gang."
The four young men featured as The Plaids probably won't be familiar to Barter patrons. They are Kevin Greene, Chris Vaughn, Steven Douglas Stewart and Patrick O'Neill. The outta-sight piano player is Steve Sensenig, accompanied by bassist Brandon Story.
This show will be going on tour after its Abingdon run and, given the response of the Barter audience, should be warmly and nostalgically received on whichever American highways and byways it may travel.
It is, after all, not just wonderful music, it is a chance to remember, if only for a couple of hours, an America that once existed, if only in our minds and on flickering black and white television screens in darkened living rooms.
"Forever Plaid" strolls down memory lane through Sept. 13. For dates, times and reservations: (276) 628-3991 or http://www.bartertheatre.com.