The Plaids, a four-part harmony group that conjures memories of the Four Aces, the Ames Brothers, and the Crew Cuts, are killed in a traffic accident shortly before their big performance. Sparky, played by Ryan Christopher Zarecki, Frankie, played by Zachary Lahey, Jinx, played by Seth Carey, and Smudge, played by James Swendsen, want one more chance to see if they could have made it big.
"It's a great reminiscence of the music of the 1950s," said director James Norman.
"It's a family-friendly show where four geeky guys come back from their demise to do the show they never got to do."
This Stuart Ross comedic musical revue features "Sixteen Tons," "Chain Gang," "Love is a Many Splendored Thing," among its 22 choreographed numbers.
"Forever Plaid" performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through March 3 at the Valentine Theatre's Studio A Theatre, 410 Adams St. in downton Toledo. Matinee performances are at 2 p.m. Sunday through March 4. Tickets are $15. Information: 419-242-2787 or valentinetheatre.com.
Swim Time
The Dixie Swim Club is making waves in two separate productions this weekend in Findlay and Waterville.
"It's the story of friendship among women that has lasted over 40 years. I love the way it channels that friendship. They're like true life... I think the audience will see in these characters people that they can relate to in their own life," said Waterville Playhouse director Dee Resnick.
Each year these five southern women meet and go through life's trials and tribulations while never losing sight of their sense of humor. The comedy spans 33 years in the lives of these former college swim teammates.
The Findlay Fort Playhouse production opens Thursday and is directed by Jim Toth. The cast includes Julie Lane, Pat Courtney, Jan Miller, Kendryn Carpenter, and Lori Foster.
The Waterville Playshop performances begin Friday at the Maumee Indoor Theatre. Marty Beaber is the co-director. The cast includes Annette Blair, Dotty Dewulf, Charlene Hansen, Sara Ledzianowski, and Mary Wood.
"The Dixie Swim Club" will be presented by Fort Findlay Playhouse at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday through February 18 with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee at its theater, 300 W. Sandusky St., Findlay. Tickets are $12. Information: 419-422-4624 or fortfindlayplayhouse.org.
Waterville Playshop performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee at Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and younger. Information: watervilleplayshop.org.
Magic Bus
ADA, Ohio -- The Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Change is making a stop Wednesday in the Freed Center for the Performing Arts at Ohio Northern University.
Ms. Frizzle's students will look for signs of global warming on their journey from the arctic to the equator in this musical adventure.
Audience members will learn how conservation, recycling, and alternative energy can make a difference for our planet.
"The Magic School Bus Live: The Climate Change" performance is at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Freed Center for the Performing Arts at Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, Ohio. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Information: 419-772-1900.
Please send theater information at least two weeks in advance to Julie Njaim at jnaim@theblade.com.