The holiday musical, “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings,” continues this weekend at the Farmers Alley Theatre.
“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” is the sequel to the hit off-Broadway musical “Forever Plaid.”
The original work is set in the 1960s and is about a male vocal group comprised of four high school buddies.
The quartet is aspiring to record an album and make their debut in the music world. In the chaos of their efforts, they are killed and their dreams die along with them.
However, they are called back from the afterlife to “bring harmony to a discordant world.”
In the sequel, “Plaid Tidings,” the boys return, yet again, from the afterlife.
They spend the majority of the show trying to figure out why they have been brought back to Earth and in the midst of their search for reason, they entertain with some holiday tunes, some originals, and some “Forever Plaid” favorites.
“There are some really beautifully arranged Christmas songs in the show,” said director Scott Burkell.
Scott Burkell is a Michigan native and a Broadway veteran. He made his Broadway debut with a 15 month run of the musical “Titanic.”
Among his impressive number of theatre credits is a long history of involvement with over 90 shows at the Barn Theatre in Augusta, Mich.
Burkell also teamed with Paul Loesel to write the script and lyrics for the musical “Ella Minnow Pea.” He has been involved with Farmers Alley productions in the past and the theatre thought he would be an excellent pick to direct and perform in the show.
“I decided to get involved because I want to support the theatre, and I really like the show,” Burkell said.
He has done “Forever Plaid” before, and when he read this script, he had a positive reaction to how the characters and music were written.
“I love being back in the south-west Michigan area, especially Kalamazoo. It always feels like home. It feels good to be back here and to give my support to this theatre,” Burkell said.
Performing alongside Burkell are Robert Jordan, Jeremy Koch, and Western Michigan University alumnus Hal Hobson.
The show is performed in a cabaret style. Tickets for the show are limited.
“Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” opened last weekend and will run through Dec. 27.
Shows will begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and there will be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
For tickets, call the Farmers Alley Theatre box office at 269-343-2727. Students should ask about student rush ticket possibilities.
