Plaid Tidings
Review by Ernest Goes To The Theatre/Ernest Edwards
Last night I went to the first preview performance of Plaid Tidings at the Black Box theater at Artistry in Bloomington. The show opens Saturday night. Let me tell you, there are no changes required to be made to this production. It was great last night! The whole point of having preview performances is to “rehearse” with an audience to gauge the audience’s reaction to the show and to make any changes to the show. I do like being part of the process.
Plaid Tidings is the sequel to Forever Plaid. I still have not seen Forever Plaid. It’s about a 60’s quartet who passed away before their time and got a chance to come back to do their concert, one night only. Now all this time later, the powers that be have decided that they need to come back for one night and do a Christmas show. There is an excellent set list that this foursome performs.
There is a lot of Holiday shows in the Twin Cities this season. Plaid Tidings is a great addition if you are looking for a fun holiday themed show to see.
At the core of this show is the quartet played by Theo Janie-Forman (Frankie), Cris Sanchez (Jinx), Cole Strelecki (Smudge), and Nate Turcotte (Sparky). Their vocals and harmonies are so on point for this show. This foursome has comedic timing and talent forever.
I also need to mention the costumes by Jessica McHugh. Between the plaid suit coats, to the plaid Christmas sweaters. The costumes were fun and festive. Also need to mention piano by Bradley Beahen. Bradley added some fun to the show. Keep an eye on Bradley. I need to mention the scenery and props by Kate Philips. Lots of props for this show. The whole show is fun, and wonderful. One moment that is even more special, and is a spoiler alert, there’s a section with bells. It’s always so magical to hear Christmas songs performed by ringing bells.
This foursome does put on an amazing show. Great vocals, acting, story, songs, costumes, choreography, and scenery. Check, check, check. It is perfect for the holidays.
Plaid Tidings is about 2 hours, including the intermission. The show runs through Sunday December 28, 2025. Check out artistrymn.org for tickets.
