Hot Summer Nights Series in NC Presents Forever Plaid

After a successful first season of star-studded productions, Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy at the Kennedy Theatre (located in Raleigh, North Carolina's Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts) is returning for season two.

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy's inaugural 2005 summer season drew full houses and Broadway talent such as Kate Shindle (Jekyll & Hyde), Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard, Contact) and Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Les Miserables). The 2006 season, from May 31-August 27, 2006, will kick off with Forever Plaid.

Forever Plaid is "a deliciously goofy revue that centers on four young, eager male singers that were killed in a car crash on the way to their first big concert back in the 1950s," according to press notes. With musical direction by McCrae Hardy, Forever Plaid will be directed by Broadway's Allan Snyder (Les Miserables). Snyder is also reviving the role of "Smudge" in the show. The cast also includes Matthew Addison (Sparky), Adam Halpin (Frankie), Brian Norris (Jinx) and even a few "extras."

Hot Summer Nights is reaching out to its audience members for a chance to take the stage. From now until May 26th, one lucky lady will have the chance to win a walk-on role and two tickets to the Friday, June 9th performance. The lucky "star" will also meet the cast, have access to the pre-show VIP tent, and have their picture posted on the theatre's website. The website is also where fans can enter the contest. With nine more performances to fill, Hot Summer Nights is also turning to its local celebrities to fill the walk-on role during each show. Famous North Carolina ladies include Miss North Carolina 2005 Brooke McLaurin, WRAL Anchors Pam Saulsby and Lynda Loveland, WTVD Anchor Barbara Gibbs and UNC-TV North Carolina Weekend host Deborah Holt, just to name a few.

In addition, during the entire 10 day run, anyone that wears plaid to the show will receive $5.00 off the ticket price when purchased at the door. Those who sport a kilt will receive $10.00 off at the door (pre-purchased tickets are not eligible for discount).

The Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy 2006 season also includes The Glass Menagerie (June 14-25), Songs for a New World (June 28-July 9), The Last Night of Ballyhoo (July 19-30), Oleanna with Alan Campbell (August 2-13), and an original musical concert, Meet Me on the Corner of Broadway and Swing (August 16-27), with Broadway's Jennifer Schrader (Beauty and the Beast, Swing).

Forever Plaid runs May 31-June 11 at 8pm at the Kennedy Theatre, Wednesdays-Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Season tickets are $140 for all six shows. Individual tickets are $25. Discounts are available. To order call 919-834-4000, go to www.ticketmaster.com or the Progress Energy Center Box Office. For additional information on Hot Summer Nights, visit the theatre's website at www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.