The characters in the musical comedy Forever Plaid may be dead, but their performance is full of life as the show takes the stage in Muskoka.
The show runs at the Gravenhurst Opera House until August 19, with both matinee and evening performances.
Set in the 1950s, Forever Plaid follows four young singers who get one final chance to perform the concert of their dreams, featuring close harmonies of ballads and upbeat nostalgic classics, all with a feel-good comedic spin.
Director Dave Campbell served as artistic director of the Gravenhurst Opera House from 2015 to 2019 and said he is thrilled to return to the venue for his third time directing Forever Plaid.
The cast members bring extensive professional experience to the Gravenhurst stage. The cast includes: Caulin Moore, who has performed on the North American tour of We Will Rock You, Roberto Sapienza who appeared in Forever Plaid at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, Damien Broomes, who has performed in Mirvish’s The Lion King, and John C. Malcolm, who has credits in screen projects including Accused and American Gods.
The cast said they have spent the past two weeks rehearsing intensively, with days lasting as long as 11 hours.
Although the performers hail from different areas including Toronto, Waterloo, and Cambridge, each has ties to the Muskoka area through family, friends, or cottaging.
“This area holds a very special place in my heart,” Broome said. “My in-laws are here, so I’m here all the time. Family, relaxation, beautiful scenery – I’m very happy to be here,”
The rest of the cast shared in that sentiment, saying they are enjoying both the opportunity to perform and spend time in Muskoka.
“I’ve been coming up to Muskoka for a really long time and I love it every time,” Moore said. “There is always a huge draw with coming up to Muskoka, especially in the summer. It’s a great time to just appreciate nature and everything it has to offer.”
For Malcolm, the chance to combine performing with spending time in Muskoka was a major part of the appeal for joining the show.
“That was part of the pull for me honestly, I thought I get to hang out in Muskoka and be creative, and I know cool people here. It was a dream combination basically,” he said.
After its Gravenhurst run, Forever Plaid will run at Five Points Theatre in Barrie from August 21 to 29.
For more information and tickets, click here.
