Jul. 31, 2013 at 9:03am

An Interview with the Paradise Theater Director on Their Production, Forever Plaid!

Guest Article by Intern Natalie Swanson

Back by popular demand, Forever Plaid is sure to wow people of all ages with its entertaining music and charming characters. The plot is sure to keep you entertained with the story of four, young, eager male singers in the 1950's that were killed in a car crash on their way to their first big concert.  Miraculously, the four men were revived, allowing them to fulfill their dreams of performing on the big stage. By the end of the show, you will have fallen in love with the characters' entertaining personalities and unique quirks. It is truly a must see of the summer!

For many of us, the show is our entertainment for one night; for those involved in the cast, it is a part of their everyday lives for several months! There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes at Paradise Theatre. One of the original founders of Paradise Theatre, Director Jeff Richards, gave the inside scoop about what it's like being a part of the production along with his personal experience of being involved with the theatre.

Why did you choose the production Forever Plaid?

"We wanted to do something that would appeal to another part of our audience... Its four men with uptight harmonies singing music all from the late 50's and early 60's... It's about music and a time that people from that generation will really be able to identify with."

What do you like most about being involved in the theater?

"I have been involved in theater my whole life and was trained in the theater, so I can honestly say that I have as much satisfaction in hanging the lights as I have in being on the stage. It depends on the show, but as for forever plaid, it is directing it."

What are some things that you learn from being a part of a production such as Forever Plaid?

"One of the fun things about the theater is that you learn different aspects of life in every show, I have been in and directing shows for a long time and every show has something new and different about it. You learn a lot about history as well as different lifestyles and cultures. Forever Plaid represents the joy of that era. By that, I mean that when most of the time you think of this time period, you think about rock and roll and all the big names associated with it. But during that time, there was also a complete different culture. There was a little more innocence, not quite as cynical. There was no political commentary. It was all just music that made people feel good."

The performance will be held at Paradise Theatre, 9911 Burnham Drive, Gig Harbor. The show will be running the 2nd through the 18th of August, 2013 and will be performed Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3pm. Get a move on and purchase your tickets now before they sell out! You can purchase your tickets online at www.paradisetheatre.org or at the door!