Forever Plaid Opens to Rave Reviews on the Main Stage at Act II Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best | |
March 12, 2015 |
This off-Broadway musical revue was written by Stuart Ross in 1990 about a 1950's vocal quartet on a bus ride to record an album but perished along the way in a crash. They all went to Heaven and that is where this wonderful story begins. They return to earth, walking down the theater aisles with a lit candles. They are dressed in nice white dress coats and black pants. They are the original clean-cut boy band – The Plaids. But no plaid was visible until they unbuttoned the coats later, revealing a wide plaid cummerbund.
Performed at Act II Entertainment’s Main Stage under the direction of Alfonso López, Forever Plaid pays tribute to an era when close-harmony "boy groups" were the airwaves fashionable rage. The play stars local artists José María Caudillo, Roberto Durán, Alfonso López and Elvis Martínez with Bob Bruneau, founder and original director of the Puerto Vallarta Men's Chorus, accompanying on the piano. The show was produced by Act II Entertainment, Danny Mininni and Mary Amelotte with lights and sound by Santiago "Santek" Tello Ruiz.
We were fortunate to attend the premiere of this huge hit musical. The audience was enthralled and cheering from the very first song. It was evident that the singers were greatly appreciated. Amazing was the well-rehearsed, close harmony of the four singers.
Throughout the night, great nostalgic pop hits were sang. Each man was given lead vocal to display his vocal range, length and depth of his voice. All four demonstrated they were a force within itself. "We never sounded this good in life" rejoined one man. Then they launched into a very fitting tune by The Four Lads "Moments to Remember." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mgCx88t3g
The group sang not only about men in love but also men at work as 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" and Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang." Particularly impressive was "Perfidia" (Spanish for faithlessness, treachery or betrayal) first made popular by Xavier Cugat and later Glenn Miller. Then followed a top show highlight, a fantastic version of Johnny Ray's "Cry". Stunning and stirring.
No surprise that the quartet brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation with "Bravos!" This is a production to see over and over again.
Act II Entertainment has a well-deserved HIT on its hands and every person here should "go back in time" to listen to this talented quartet and pianist extraordinaire.
"No matter the players, it's the same warm feelings I get every time I see it. Those Heavenly voices, those tight four part harmonies, the songs from by-gone days, their innocence and exuberance - they get me every time." Mary Amelotte, co-producer.
"Act II Entertainment of Puerto Vallarta engages, inspires, entertains and challenges audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works; we train and support the next generation of theater artists; we provide arts education programs that promote lifelong learning to a diverse community; and we celebrate the essential power of the theater to illuminate our common humanity." Danny Mininni, co-founder and oft-producer.
Upcoming performances will be on March 12, 13, 17, 19 & 20 at 7:00 pm on the Main Stage of Act II Entertainment.
Tickets are available at Act II Entertainment Box Office open Monday-Saturday from 2:00 until 10:00 pm, or you can purchase tickets online at Vallarta Tickets.
The Main Stage is located in the Act II Entertainment complex at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes in Old Town Vallarta on the 2nd floor. Telephone is (322) 222-1512.
We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!
From activities like hiking, swimming, bike riding and yoga, to restaurants offering healthy menus, Vallarta-Nayarit is the ideal place to continue - or start - your healthy lifestyle routine.