BWW Reviews: MJR Theatricals | Music Box Musicals' FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS is a Effervescent Holiday Treat

For one more weekend only, MJR Theatricals | Music Box Musicals is producing FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS, the holiday themed spin off of Stuart Ross' 1990 Off-Broadway revue/jukebox musical FOREVER PLAID. In 1964, the four rising stars passed when they collided with a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see The Beatles American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. In FOREVER PLAID the group got to enjoy a second chance at sharing their voices with the world. Now, in FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS they have returned again, but this time they have to discover why they were allowed to sing for the world-weary living.

In addition to playing Sparky, Adam W. Delka helms this production as Director, Musical Director, and Choreographer. He wears each of these four hats with style, creating quality entertainment that leaves audiences uplifted and cheerful. He has coached the cast to create four distinctly different and fun characters that we can't help but adore. Likewise, he has masterfully empowered his cast to harmonize with amazing precision, making each of the musical performances beautiful and impressive. Lastly, the choreography he has crafted with William Martin is an eye-popping flashback to the early 1960s and is often hysterical, especially during numbers like "Besame Mucho/Kiss of Fire."

From their first appearance to their final bow, the audience can't get enough of Adam W. Delka's dorky Sparky, Eric Domuret's cool-cat Jinx, Corey Hartzog's chipper and dashing Frankie, and William Martin's soulful Smudge. These four men have wonderful stage presence and even better chemistry with one another. Watching them perform as the Plaids, the audience wholly believes that they are a close-knit group of friends who have known and worked with each other for years. Their charisma and joking with each other and the audience keeps us engaged, but it is their faultless harmonies and radiant voices that keep us on The Edge of our seats. After each song, the audience can't wait to applaud enthusiastically. In fact, looking around the intimate Ovations Night Club, I noticed many were gleefully mouthing and even singing along to the tried and true favorites that the quartet performed.

Accompanying the men is Jesse Lozano on the piano. He works with the group to set tempos, while matching their energy and voices with each number. There is a tangible sense of teamwork occurring as all five men take their cues from one another, ensuring that each musical number is performed in such a professional manner that the audience can't help but be mesmerized by each one.

For a family friendly, intimate holiday themed revue with a skimpy plot and a many fantastic vocal performances, FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS is the perfect night out at the theatre. Also, in spite of its decidedly Christmas vibe, Stuart Ross' writing works in mainstream radio hits as well. This effervescent seasonal treat is sure to make everyone's heart grow three sizes.

RUNNING TIME: Approximately 90 minutes with one intermission.

FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS, produced by MJR Theatricals | Music Box Musicals, runs through December 21, 2013 at Ovations Night Club, 2536 Times Boulevard, Houston, 77005. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.musicboxmusicals.com or call (832) 558-4857.

Photos courtesy of MJR Theatricals | Music Box Musicals.

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