Jeff Madden, Matt Cassidy & More to Lead FOREVER PLAID in Toronto

Starvox Entertainment today announced the casting and creative details for the Toronto production of Forever Plaid. Directed and choreographed by award-winning Dayna Tekatch, the show will return to the Toronto stage for the first time in 20 years. The fan-favorite musical runs from Tuesday, May 17 through Sunday, June 12 at the Panasonic Theatre (651 Yonge St.).

Jeff Madden joins the roster as the shy and perpetually terrified Jinx. Madden won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, and has participated in eight seasons at the Shaw Festival. Madden has also appeared on Canadian television series such as Murdoch Mysteries and Mayday.

Matt Cassidy is cast to play the role of Smudge, the quartet's resident worrier. The Toronto-born actor is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed alongside Madden in Jersey Boys and previously playing the role of Smudge in the 2013 Charlottetown Festival production of Forever Plaid. Cassidy has also made recent appearances on television series such as Private Eyes, Reign and Mohawk Girls.

Jonathan Cullen brings the role of Frankie, the Plaid's kindhearted quartet member, to life. Cullen is known for his roles in The Book of Mormon, Next to Normal, Billy Elliot, and West Side Story. When not performing in the theatre, Cullen spends his time rocking out with his pop/soul group Silver Lining.

Scott Beaudin has been cast as Sparky the Plaid's energetic and clever singer. With his powerful vocals and stage presence, Beaudin is well known for his work on stage and in both film and television. He made his Stratford debut in Oliver! and earned a Young Artist Award nomination for his work on Syfy's Haven.

Rounding out the cast of Forever Plaid's Toronto production, are swings Tyler Check, and Sayer Roberts. Check has appeared in Broadway favourites such as Legally Blonde and Spamalot. Vancouver-native, Roberts' most recent works include Les Miserables, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music and Titanic.

The Toronto production of Forever Plaid is directed and choreographed by Tekatch, featuring set and costume design by Jennifer Goodman. Lighting design is by Beth Kates, with sound design by John Lott.

Forever Plaid was originally written, directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt, and was originally produced by Gene Wolsk.

Photo credit: Rachael McCaig