PROVIDED

Florida Repertory Theatre opens its 27th season with “Forever Plaid” a nostalgic, funny – and heavenly – musical revue by Stuart Ross and James Raitt. The production runs in the immersive ArtStage Studio Theatre from Sept. 17 through Oct. 27. Tickets start at $67 and may be purchased online at FloridaRep.org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.

“Forever Plaid” follows four high school buddies, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie, who, after tragedy strikes on the way to their first big gig, get to perform a show-stopping concert in the afterlife. The boy band takes audiences on a dazzling journey through the classic tunes of the 1950s performing beloved hits including “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” and more. The production was written, originally directed, and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt. The score features a variety of music styles including swing, boogie-woogie, Latin, Calypso, and more.

“‘Forever Plaid’ is a loving, retro story about chasing dreams and second chances,” said Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen. “Audiences of all ages will swoon as this talented ensemble of artists performs these iconic and timeless songs from the 1950s.”

The ensemble cast features New York-based actors Christopher Bailey, Caleb Funk, Steven Martella, and Jack Mastrianni, all making their Florida Rep debuts. Musical director and pianist Steven Zumbrun accompanies the troupe.

Director and choreographer Michael Marotta (“Beguiled Again”) will be joined by an expert creative team including musical director Steven Zumbrun (Florida Rep Debut), set designer Aaron Jackson (“Beguiled Again”), costume designer Kristina Tollefson (“Driving Miss Daisy”), lighting designer and ensemble member Todd O. Wren (“The Importance of Being Earnest”), sound designer Braden Downing (“Late Nite Catechism”), and stage manager Mary Ruth Knackstedt (“The Gin Game”).

“Forever Plaid” is sponsored by Sam Galloway Ford-Lincoln and Lighthouse Wealth Management.

Single ticket prices for “Forever Plaid” are $67 for regular performances from Sept. 17 through Oct. 27. Curtain times are 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and 8 p.m. for the opening night performance on Friday, Sept. 20. Florida Rep’s parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

More About Florida Repertory Theatre

Founded in 1998, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional, live theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry.

Subscriptions for the 2024-2025 season are on sale. Packages start at $246 for six shows. For more information visit FloridaRep.org or call the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.

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