The Plaids toast Como, Clooney

Is the Pasadena Playhouse’s “Plaid Tidings” different from last year’s “Forever Plaid -- A Special Holiday Edition” at the same theater?

Yes, swears “Plaid” creator and director Stuart Ross. Ten songs from last year’s show are out, and 13 new ones are in. A Perry Como homage has been enhanced by obtaining rights to a Como kinescope that enables the Plaid quartet to back up “Mr. C.” A tribute to the late Rosemary Clooney has been added.

Only one member of last year’s cast, John-Michael Flate, is on hand this year, but he has been joined by original Plaid David Engel, original L.A. “Forever Plaid” cast member Larry Raben and New York-based Plaid Paul Binotto in his local Plaid debut.

Ross said he tried to clarify the plot in this year’s edition, and the Plaids “face more challenges” in the story, in which they travel from the great beyond to do a TV Christmas special. However, “we’re not talking ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night,’ ” Ross added.

-- Don Shirley