“Forever Plaid” closes Meadow Brook Theatre’s 50th-anniversary season

Meadow Brook Theatre’s latest production, “Forever Plaid,” tells the story of four talented singers. The show is filled with comedy and vocal talent. 

Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie are known as the Plaids. On their way to perform in the early 1960s, they were killed by a bus.

The group comes back from the afterlife over 50 years later to finish the big show they never made it to, performing classic songs from the 50s and 60s, such as “Undecided,” “Heart and Soul” and the Beatles’ “She Loves You.”

The Plaids are played by Garett Michael Harris (Frankie), Maclain Dassatti (Smudge), Lucas Wells (Sparky) and Ben Garrett (Jinx).

The musical is directed by Travis Walter, artistic director for Meadow Brook Theatre, with musical direction by Matthew Croft. Croft also plays the piano for the musical group, accompanied by Andrew Lloyd on the bass and Nick Matthews on percussion.

“I have been asked many times why a show with 50s and 60s music would be relevant to audiences old and new … and I answer the same way every time,” Walter wrote in his “From the Director” message in the show’s program. “Music is timeless. The music in this show will entertain anyone of any age.”

“Forever Plaid” originally premiered in New York in 1990 and is now performed all over the world.

“[Meadow Brook Theatre] tends to focus on Michigan premiers, but happily made an exception for ‘Forever Plaid,'” Walter said in a Meadow Brook Theatre press release. “We know our audiences will love this magical story. The music is from a golden age so it’s a great way to end our season-long celebration of our 50th anniversary.”

The musical, which is running May 25 to June 19, is the last of Meadow Brook Theatre’s seven-show 50th-anniversary season.

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at (248) 337-3300. Tickets are currently ranging from $27 to $42. Students can get tickets for $11 at the box office with their IDs.