Cabrillo Stage rocks the house with its first summer musical

The story may be an untraditional one. There is hardly any dialogue in the whole play and it pretty much unfolds song after song after song, so the singing stands out. Fortunately, the stars here have powerful voices—absolutely beautiful and brilliant. Of particular note is Tad Kistner, who plays Jinx. Kistner’s voice is stunning, with a range, tone and quality that belongs in the recording studio.

Rounding out the cast, also with superb voices, are Max Bennett-Parker as Francis, Scott Kowaleski as Smudge and Billy James Robinson as Sparky.

The story finds these four happy-go-lucky, thoroughly naïve, good-natured young men from the band Forever Plaid trying to make a mark right on the cusp of the Beatles hitting it big time. But that doesn’t quite matter for these guys, seeing as they’re dead—the backstory finds them getting hit by a busload of Catholic girls on the way to a Beatles concert. But that doesn’t stop them from getting their chance to perform. They come back to life and perform a show for the audience sitting in the theater.

Breaking down the fourth wall, this play feels more like a concert than musical theater. The men perform a cornucopia of memorable songs—hits like the exotic “Caribbean Plaid,” and the tender, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing.”

What gives the show its fast pace is that each number is vastly original. Whether it’s the costumes, the choreography, some sweet solos, or goofy antics, each song stands alone.

Director Andrew Ceglio is at the helm here, taking hold of the reigns for his first directorial debut. And frankly, he does a damn fine job. The play is seamless—not a single hitch.

Musical accompaniment by Drew Lewis on keyboard and David Nordgren on bass, keep the Plaid’s dancing and singing during the entire two-hour “concert.” And, by the way, that’s another great thing about the show—you’re in and out in two hours. (Sometimes musical theater shows can be quite lengthy, but this one clocks in at a perfect timeframe.)

A simple but perfect lounge set, designed by Skip Epperson, is the ideal backdrop for the Plaid’s show. Costumes by Maria Crush are impeccable, and every other ounce of the show is praiseworthy.

And while we may sometimes think more of the Beatles when we reflect on that era of long ago, the members of Forever Plaid deliver an impressive, unforgettable show.

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