Entertainment

by ASHLEY MILLER
for the Sequim Gazette
 
Looking for a relaxing evening filled with good friends, music and a memorable theater experience?

Look no further.

 

Reader’s Theatre Plus is presenting “Plaid Tidings,” the sequel to the 1990s off-Broadway musical revue “Forever Plaid,” written by Stuart Ross, Nov. 4-13.

 

As the story goes in “Forever Plaid,” a quartet of high school chums with dreams of recording an album are involved in a collision with a bus filled full of Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles’ American debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The play begins with the Plaids returning from the afterlife for one final chance at musical glory.

 

“Plaid Tidings” is a holiday version of “Forever Plaid” with a modified storyline and songs.

 

Under the direction of Dewey Ehling, Reader’s Theatre Plus will present the reading at the Old Dungeness Schoolhouse at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 6 and 13.

 

“I think people will get a hoot out of it,” Ehling said. “It’s something you can’t get too serious about because it’s all fantasy. You can just have fun with it.”

 

Interestingly enough, Ehling directed “Forever Plaid” four years ago at Olympic Theatre Arts. Three of the same actors – Bud Davies, Ric Munhall and Shawn Dawson – will return to read the “Plaid Tidings” script.

Brian Doig joins the original three cast members as well as Gary McRoberts on the piano.

 

After watching the foursome give an introductory reading at a recent community event, Dewey said he’s more excited than ever for opening night.

 

The cast “turns on in front of an audience,” he said. “They absolutely come alive.”

 

All proceeds from the event go toward the group’s scholarship fund. Every year, Reader’s Theatre Plus gives scholarships to graduating seniors at both Sequim and Port Angeles high schools.

 

“Come in support of scholarships,” Ehling said. “It’s just fun entertainment, not World War III.”