Foerver Plaid: Plaid Tidings

PLAID TIDINGS
Holiday Edition of FOREVER PLAID
BY STUART ROSS
Original FOREVER PLAID vocal and musical arrangements
by JAMES RAITT

VOCAL and MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS BY
JAMES RAITT, BRAD ELLIS, RAYMOND BERG, DAVID SNYDER
Musical Continuity and Supervision By David Snyder
ORIGINAL DIRECTION AND MUSICAL STAGING BY STUART ROSS

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

 

 

 

 

THE SONGS

Amor/Alleluia
Arranged by James Raitt

Besame Mucho
Music & Lyrics by Consuelo Velzquez
English Lyrics by Sunny Skylar. Arranged by Brad Ellis.

Carol of the Bells
Arranged by David Snyder & Raymond Berg

The Christmas Song
Arranged by David Snyder

Christmas Talk
Music  by Brad Ellis, Lyrics by Brad Ellis & Stuart Ross
Arranged by Brad Ellis

Cool Yule
Music & Lyrics by Steve Allen
Arranged by Brad Ellis. 

Day-O
Music & Lyrics by William Attaway and Irving Burgie
Arranged by James Raitt 

Deus Ex Plaid

Arranged by James Raitt

The Dreidel Song
Traditional.
Arranged by David Snyder

 Fever

 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Music & Lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Published by EMI Feist Catalog, Inc. Arranged by James Raitt

 Hey There

Holiday For Strings
Music by David Rose
Lyrics by Sammy Gallop
1944 (Renewed) David Rose Publishing Co. (ASCAP) All rights reserved. Used by permission. Arranged by Brad Ellis.

Home For The Holidays
Music & Lyrics by Robert Allen and Al Stillman
Used by permission of Charlie Deitcher Productions, Inc. and Kitty Anne Music Co. Inc.   
Arranged by James Raitt I'll Be Home For Christmas
Arranged by Raymond Berg

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas   
Arranged by Raymond Berg

 Jamaica Farewell

 Jingle Bells
Arranged by James Raitt

Joy To The World

Kingston Market

 Kiss of Fire
Music & Lyrics by Lester Allen and Robert Hill
Adapted from "El Choclo" by A. G. Villoldo. Used by permission of Universal Music.
Arranged by Brad Ellis.

 Let It Snow
Arranged by Raymond Berg & David Snyder

 Little Town of Bethlehem
Music & Lyrics by John Mandel
Arranged by James Raitt

 Mambo Italiano

 Matilda
Music & Lyrics by Norman Span
Used by permission of MCA Music Publishing, a division of MCA Inc.
Arranged by James Raitt

 Mele Kalikimaka
Music and Lyrics by Alex R. Anderson
Used by permission of Universal Music. Arranged by James Raitt

 Merry Christmas
Music & Lyrics by Fred Spielman and Janice Raitt.
Published by EMI Robbins Catalog Inc.

A Mixmaster Christmas
Traditional. Arranged by Brad Ellis. & Raymond Berg

 Moments To Remember
Music by Robert Allen
Lyrics by Al Stillman
Used by permission of Larry Spier, Inc. and Charlie Deitcher Productions
Arranged by James Raitt

 Mr. Santa (authorized version of Mister Sandman)
Music & Lyrics by F. D. Ballard
Used by permission of Edwin H, Morris & Company, a Division of MPL Communications, Inc.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Music & Lyrics by John D. Marks
Arranged by David Snyder

 Sha-Boom  (Life Could Be A Dream)
Music & Lyrics by Jimmy Keyes, Carl Feaster, Claude Feaster, Floyd McRae and Williams Edwards.
1954 (Renewed) Unichappell Music Inc. (BMI) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Arranged by James Raitt

 Stranger In Paradise
Music & Lyrics by George Forrest and Robert Craig Wright
Arranged by James Raitt

 'TWUZ THA NITE B4 XMAS
Based on the poem TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Clement Wood
Music by Brad Ellis

We Wish You a Perry Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cast:

Frankie……………………………………………………………David Ryan
Jinx……………………………………………………………….Sean Widener
Smudge………..........................................Jim Joyce
Sparky…………….......................................Matt Casey

Musicians:

Piano…………………………..............................Catherine Hammer
Bass………………………………………………………….....Jeremy Springer

Production Staff:

Executive Producer- Richard Pletcher
Managing Director- Laurie Schotz
Director / Music Director / Choreographer: Darren Server
Production Stage Manager- Philip B. Richard II
Assistant Stage Managers- Corey McIntyre and Monica Gauer
Vocal Captain- Michael Misko
Costume Designer- Laurie Schotz
Wardrobe- Monica Gauer
Lighting Designer- Philip B. Richard II
Assistant Lighting Designer / Master Electrician- Corey McIntyre
Follow Spot Operator- Monica Gauer
Set Designer- Richard Pletcher
Master Carpenter- Alvin Yoder
Sound Designer- Corey McIntyre
Box Office Manager- Jennifer Scheffer
House Manager- Philip B. Richard II

 

DEDICATION

Forever Plaid is dedicated to the "good guys"; to they guys who wheeled the projector carts for the AV club; to the guys who saved their allowance to give their parents a special night on the town for their anniversary; to the guys who carried an extra handkerchief; to the guys who never went beyond first base, and if they did, they didn't tell anyone. We Salute You!

From the Playwright...

For those of you who have never seen Forever Plaid, we've included notes from the original production - it's good back-story.  For those of you who have seen PLAID, I sincerely want to take this opportunity to say, "Thank you for coming back and sharing your very precious time with us."

For over a decade, I resisted creating a holiday sequel  based on FOREVER PLAID. I was stubborn about it.  Sequels are for movies like-- RAMBO, LORD OF THE RINGS, HOME ALONE, LEGALLY BLONDE, INDIANA JONES, HARRY POTTER etc.  I  tried to  explain this when I was approached to create a 'follow up to FP.   (Can you imagine-PLAID ALONE TWO, LEGALLY PLAID, SPARKY POTTER AND THE CUMMERBUND OF FIRE, THE LORD OF THE PLAIDS, INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF PLAID???. )

However, right after 9/11,  I was  approached by the PASADENA PLAYHOUSE to create a Holiday edition of PLAID.  It was at a time when we all needed a little joy and a little cozy Holiday fun to lift spirits. FOREVER PLAID  has been embraced by many wonderful communities, so I attempted to create a little Holiday Party of Plaid for the Playhouse. After the first year of the show, various other theatres asked if they could do PLAID TIDINGS. Over the past few years the show has evolved to what you are going to experience tonight ( or this Afternoon).

Each year brings its share of joys and tribulations for the world, our country and our loved ones. Here's hoping a little toasty, cozy, musical, holiday cheer will put you in the mood to appreciate all the good stuff that is always around us. 

Stuart Ross

 

Director's Notes:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Round Barn Theatre and our special holiday musical treat Plaid Tidings. Our play is the continuing story of four humble, fresh-faced guys named Sparky, Jinx, Frankie and Smudge who met in high school when they joined the audiovisual club in 1956. They discovered that they shared an affection for music and entertaining. So, they started getting together in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company to rehearse and dream about becoming like their idols; The Four Aces, The Four Lads, The Hi-Los and The Crew Cuts. It was here that they became the harmony group "Forever Plaid."

When most of us think of the 1950’s, we think of Rock n’ Roll, greasers, hot rods, Elvis, Annette, Fabian, D.A. haircuts and teenage rebellion. But there was a “flipside” to this era – the side of harmony, innocence and the sincerity of dreams.  It was a time when most parents and kids listened and danced to the same music; when families partook of the ritual of gathering in front of the TV to watch their favorite variety shows like Ed Sullivan or the Perry Como Show.

As fate would have it, the Plaids were killed in a car crash on their way to their first major gig. But miraculously, through the powers of harmony and the expanding holes in the Ozone Layer, they are allowed to come back to perform the show they never got to do in life. The boys take the stage, tentatively at first, then with growing confidence as they realize that they truly did have something special. Blending perfectly, they hit the last chord and disappear.

Now, just in time for the holidays, the Plaids find themselves back on Earth again! Let's all discover together through the magic of harmonized seasonal favorites, why they've come to the Round Barn Theatre and what their true purpose is. Enjoy!

Darren Server

 

Plaid Tidings Bios:

Matt Casey (Sparky / Prince Christopher) is so excited to be finishing out the season here at the Round Barn Theatre. Matt is from Cascade IA, and has recently earned a BFA in Musical Theater from Rockford College in Rockford, IL.  Matt could have been seen earlier this year in the RBT productions of Plain & Fancy, 42nd Street, and Annie Get Your Gun.  Some of his other favorite credits include Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream, Leo Frank in Parade, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Munkustrap in CATS. Matt would like to thank his family and friends for their continual support, and would like to thank YOU for coming! Enjoy the show!

Catherine Hammer (Piano / Ensemble) is from Leavenworth, Kansas. She is returning to the Round Barn Theatre for a second Christmas season; Last Christmas she performed the role of Victoria in CATS. Some other favorite roles include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Miss Dorothy in Throughly Modern Millie, Shelby in Spitfire Grill, and Good Luck Bear on the Care Bears Live! National Tour. Special thanks to my family for their love and support. Romans 8:38-39

 

 

Tim Joyce (Smudge / Joy) is a native of Rochester, NY but now calls NYC home. He has performed across the country in Virginia, Montana, New York, Indiana, Nebraska, and most recently Alaska. Favorite shows include Into the Woods, Seussical, Kiss Me Kate, Smokey Joe’s Café, Pirates of Penzance, and Peter Pan. Love to LLC.

 

 

 

David Ryan (Frankie / Stepsister) Audience last saw David playing Peter Reber in Plain & Fancy or as Foster Wilson and Pawnee Bill in Annie Get Your Gun.  Originally from Buffalo, New York, David recieved his B.F.A. In Theater Performance from Niagara University.  David has worked professionally at Warehouse Theatre, Thin Air Theatre Company, Playhouse in the Square, and the Arkansas Arts Center.  Favorite professional credits are: Rent (Mark), Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear), Altar Boyz (Matthew), Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), Romeo & Juliet (Romeo), Midsummer Night's Dream (Lysander), I Love You Because (Austin), and The Seagull (Medvedenko).  David's next move is the big move to New York City and the beginning of a great adventure.  David would especially like to thank Laurie for all of his oppurtunites here in Nappanee.  Much love to friends, family, and DJ for the endless support!  www.davidryan.webs.com

Jeremy Springer (Bass) now hails from Boston, but grew up just a few hours down the road in Findlay, OH.  He graduated last year with a degree in Theater Performance, and has been playing the upright bass since he was nine

 

 

 

 

Sean Widener (Jinx / Herald) is excited to be spending the holidays with the Round Barn Theatre. He is a native of Dearborn, Michigan now residing in NYC and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory. Past roles include The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Oklahoma (Will Parker), I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change (Man 1), and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Linus). Happy Holidays!

 

Production Staff

Olin Davidson (Director / Choreographer / Music Director for Cinderella) This is Olin's second time directing for the main stage at Amish Acres.  He previously directed and choreographed 42nd St earlier in the season.  Some of his choreography credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Warehouse Theater), The Emperor's New Clothes (Greer Children's Theater), Cabaret (The Warehouse Theater), Viva Vegas the Sequel (The Show Palace/Assistant Choreo.), Lullaby of Broadway, Fabulous Flicks (Bearcreek Farms/Assistant Choreo.) The Pirates of Penzance (Amish Acres/ Round Barn Theater).  His directing credits include productions for young audiences Miss Nelson is Missing, Twain's Tale of Tom and Huck(Amish Acres/ Round Barn Theater).  A graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Olin is also an accomplished performer.  He was a member of the Grammy nominated Washington Chorus, sang backup for Barry Manilow, and been a backup dancer for Debbie Gibson.  He has traveled the world as a dancer for Celebrity Cruise Lines aboard the SUMMIT and MILLENNIUM.  Some of his favorite credits include Ape (Tarzan), Andy Lee (42nd St), Smudge (Forever Plaid), Audrey II ( Little Shop of Horrors), Munkustrap (Cats), Will Parker (Oklahoma), Scott (The Producers), Billy Lawlor (42nd St), and Moose (Crazy For You).  He would like to thank Laurie for this opportunity and for having faith in him to do this project. He thanks his Mom, Dad, and brothers for their never ending support and as always his 'girls'.  

Monica Gauer (Assistant Stage Manager / Wardrobe) is excited to join the Round Barn Theatre! She enjoyed watching performances here as a child, and now she can’t wait to bring the excitement to a new era of audiences. Monica graduated from the University of Southern Indiana, and has since worked in a variety of aspects of theatre. Thank you to her family and friends for all the support! Break-A-Leg to everyone!

 Corey McIntyre (Sound Designer/Assistant Stage Manager) has been involved with theater technology since age 12 and has been lucky enough to build a career steadily in the field of sound.  I’ve worked everywhere from churches to amusement parks with exposure to everything from bluegrass to rock and roll.  I would like to thank my family and friends for all the love and support they give.

Richard Pletcher (Executive Producer/Set Designer)

Philip B. Richard II (Production Stage Manager / Lighting Designer) is excited to be at The Round Barn Theatre for his first season. Philip grew up in Dallastown, PA and was an Entertainment Coordinator for 5 years at the Walt Disney World Resort and has previously worked for Austin Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Theater,Festival 56 in Princeton, IL, and Honolulu Theatre for Youth. His regional credits include the National Post Broadway premiere of Souvenir with Orlando Theatre Project and World Premiers of If You Give A Moose A Muffin, Stripes & Stars, and Wittenberg. Philip’s regional lighting credits include productions of The Pillowman, Stripes and Stars, Nosferatu, Rocky Horror Show, Footloose, Scrooge, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Philip is a member of the Equity Membership Candidate program and the Stage Manager Association. He would like to thank his family for their continued encourgment and you the audience for supporting the arts, without you theatre would not be possible. Happy Holidays and Enjoy the show!

Darren Server (Director / Music Director / Choreographer for Plaid Tidings) was born into a family of stooges; namely, “The Three Stooges.” His inspiration has always been his grandfather “Curly” Howard and his great-uncles, Moe and Shemp. Darren began singing, dancing and playing the piano at the age of ten and has never stopped. His love for Forever Plaid began in 1997 when he was cast as "Smudge" in the Honolulu premiere at the famous Don Ho Showroom in Waikiki. It ran 230 performances. He then went on to direct, musical direct and choreograph the show for American Classic Voyages Cruise Line. It was after a year of performing the role of “Oscar” in the Broadway national tour of 42nd Street that Darren decided it was time to move to New York City. Musical Directing and playing piano for NYU's Musical Theatre Conservatory was his first job in NYC. Since then, he has directed, musical directed, choreographed and performed in many shows all over the USA and Canada. Most recently, Darren musical directed and played the role of "Vic Schoen" in the Andrews Sisters musical, Sisters of Swing at Totem Pole Playhouse in PA and at Trinity Repertory Company in RI was associate conductor and pianist for Camelot.

Laurie Schotz (Managing Director/Costumes) is thrilled to be returning for a second season at Amish Acres. Before joining the Amish Acres staff in 2009 she was the Artistic Director for 10 years at Bearcreek Farms Resort in Bryant, IN. Prior to her time there, you could have seen her fall off a building at Old Tucson Studios, aboard a cruise as a production singer/dancer, or running her own entertainment company in Chicago, IL for 13 years. She would like to thank her brother Michael for teaching and guiding her through a difficult time but always keeping her laughing. He has taught her a goal is a dream with a deadline. Laurie hopes you enjoy your whole experience at Amish Acres and remember to “Embrace the Pace!”

Travis Smith (Music Consultant) Travis has worked as both a performer and musical director for the past several years. Companies he has worked for include Allenberry Playhouse, Bearcreek Resort, Circa 21, Old Creamery Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Cornwell’s Dinner theatre, Grand Geneva Resort, and the University of Findlay. He was also the activities director at Bearcreek Resort where he emceed and opened for such stars as Joann Castle, Boots Randolph, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and many more. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he has worked in NYC performing with Victory Theatricals and had the honor of performing with the National AIDs Fund and the Equity Fights AIDS/Broadway Cares charities. Travis also runs his own business producing background tracks for various theatres. He enjoys composition as well.  The Old Creamery theatre has commissioned him to write two children’s musicals with them this year including their yearly children’s tour that is produced in the Spring.  He is a proud graduate of Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio where he earned his degrees in theatre and music. Enjoy the show an for more information please visit www.travis-smith.com

 

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings Theme Dinner and Wine Bar
December 3 & 10, 2010
It's a Plaid, Plaid, Plaid World'

Each Round Barn theatre Musical production calls for a Theme Dinner and Wine Bar, a joyous celebration with menus written with tongue-in-cheek show references and double entendres, often obscure and ridiculous. the responsibility for such frivolity rest soley with Richard Pletcher. The ensuing menus are lovingly prepared by chef Ruth Miller whose sense of humor make it into it kettle and skillet.

Soup

  • Chicken, Black Bean, and Barley Soup

Appetizers

  • Old Christmas Fancy Fruit Cake
  • Angel Wings

Salad

  • Iceberg Wedges with Blue Cheese Dressing

Breads

  • Woven Plaid Bread

Entrees

  • Christmas Turkey
  • The Plaid's Porterhouse Steak

Pasta

  • Sage Stuffing

Vegetables

  • Okra, Onion, and Parsnips (Just kidding!)
  • New Potatoes

Desserts

  • Chocolate Smudge Pie
  • Francis' Holy Canolis
  • Ruth's Famous Crème Brule'

Beverages

  • Holiday Egg Nog and Grog
  • Iced Tea
  • Lemonade
  • Coffees
  • Beer (extra charge)
  • Wine (extra charge)