Noble Fool Theatricals presents Plaid Tidings, the hilarious and nostalgic Forever Plaid Holiday Spectacular directed/choreographed by Bob Kiser and music directed by Ken Jones, at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; telephone 630-584-6342).
Plaid Tidings is the hit holiday sequel to Stuart Ross' Forever Plaid, a musical that ran for five successful years in New York and has garnished many long-running productions around the country and internationally, including Chicago. This holiday edition continues the story of the singing group whose lives were lost in an accident involving a busload of nuns en route to see "The Ed Sullivan Show." The heaven-sent boys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie) are back from heaven to sing songs of the 30's, 40's, 50's, and a "Plaid-erized" version of Christmas specials to fulfill their mission of creating a little harmony in a troubled world. This family-friendly musical includes a hilarious tribute to the Ed Sullivan Christmas Spectaculars featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks, The Vienna Boys Choir and more!
"Whether you've seen the original Forever Plaid or not, this show is certainly a holiday treat for all ages," says Artistic Director John Gawlik. "While older generations will enjoy the tributes to Perry Como and Ed Sullivan, the younger audience members will love the funny sing-along and traditional holiday tunes."
Director and Choreographer Bob Kiser has been a part of Noble Fool's production teams for Mikado Version 2.005, Western Civilization! The Complete Musical (Abridged), Roasting Chestnuts: A Christmas Gina, Ruthless! and Musical of Musicals, The Musical. As a director and/or choreographer, his work has been seen in the Chicago land area at Tommy Gun's Garage, Boxer Rebellion Theater, Angel Island Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, Reality Check Theater Co. and Navy Pier. Regionally Bob has directed productions of Forever Plaid, Interrogation, and a touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. An advocate for high quality children's theater, Bob co-founded and served as artistic director of Light-Hearted Productions, a theater dedicated to giving children a voice. He also co-wrote their smash-hit, Untangling the Tale of the Big Bad Wolf.
Kiser has selected a lovable Plaid cast, featuring (in alphabetical order): Sean Effinger-Dean, Robert Deason (previously in Noble Fool Theatricals' Altar Boyz), Geneva native David Meadows (previously in Noble Fool Theatricals' Some Enchanted Evening), and Brad Simanski (a closing member of Chicago's company of Wicked).
A harmonizin' holiday treat comes to Pheasant Run
