Looking Good in ‘Plaid’

There’s a running joke in theater: Any actor who can carry a tune and move even a little can put the long-running Broadway productions of “Grease,” “Cats” and “A Chorus Line” among their credits. “Forever Plaid” could easily join that list.

The Musical Theatre West revival of “Forever Plaid,” now at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach, will multiply the credits of its sharp four-member cast, all of whom have appeared in other stagings around the country. Their experience is self-evident.

The tongue-in-cheek premise is this: A vocal harmony group was killed in a 1960s accident while on the way to a first big gig. They were hit by a busload of teenagers bound for the Beatles’ first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Now, they’ve been given the chance to return to life briefly, to finally perform their act before a live audience.

The whole thing is little more than a fine excuse to sing a bagful of popular tunes from the 1950s and 1960s and to be pretty funny along the way. Jinx (Leo Daignault) mugs to the audience, getting as close to eccentric dancing as author Stuart Ross’ original choreography will allow, while trying to keep his nose from bleeding. Sparky (Steve Gunderson) is Jinx’s stepbrother and has a wonderfully mobile face.

Smudge (George Miserlis) is a little more staid with a bass-baritone voice. Francis, or Frank as he prefers (Rodney Peck), is Mr. Charm himself. His eyes glisten as he sings a love song to a couple of audience members, and he tries not to use his asthma inhaler too often.

The vocal quality of the Plaids in this production is high, and this particular foursome has an interesting vocal blend that stands out for its crispness and silky tone. Daignault’s gentle version of “Cry,” which explodes into his powerhouse impression of Johnny Ray’s treatment of the hit, is a particular standout.

This production is directed by Larry Raben, who was Ross’ assistant director in the original off-Broadway show and helped shape the staging. He knows the piece inside and out and doesn’t let it lose any of its freshness and sparkle. He also makes sure that the show’s hilarious takeoff on the variety of material that made up the Sullivan show is as frantic as ever, perhaps even more so than the long-running show was itself.

*

“Forever Plaid,” Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Cal State Long Beach. Thursday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. Ends Sunday. $20-$30. (562) 985-7000. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Leo Daignault: Jinx

Steve Gunderson: Sparky

George Miserlis: Smudge

Rodney Peck: Francis

A Musical Theatre West production of Stuart Ross and James Raitt’s musical revue. Director: Larry Raben. Musical direction: Neil Ginsberg. Scenic design: Neil Peter Jampolis. Lighting design: R. Kent Sheranian. Costume design: Debra Stein. Production stage manager: Lisa Palmire.