Chit-Chat: ‘Plaid Tidings’ a heaven-sent holiday romp

Thanks to a little divine intervention from Rosemary Clooney, the members of the fictional four-part harmony group from ‘Forever Plaid’ are brought back from the great beyond for a holiday sequel. In the original, set in 1964, the four were killed when their car was struck by a bus load of fans en route to see The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The holiday incarnation recaptures the smooth sounds of the ‘30s to ‘50s with a cast that includes Geneva native David Meadows of Chicago. The baritone, who takes on the bass part, talks about the musical comedy presented by Noble Fool Theatricals.
 

David Meadows (from left), Robert Deason, Sean Effinger-Dean and Brad Simanski unleash Christmas cheer in the “Plaid Tidings” musical at Pheasant Run. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY G. MORRIS

Describe the show’s premise.
People who have seen ‘Forever Plaid’ will get a recap of some of what was in the original. The Plaids are trying to figure out why they were brought back one more time. Rosemary Clooney gives (clues) through secret notes. Finally, we decide we’re going to put on every type of Christmas song we can, and make everybody have a joyous time. There’s some audience participation. Just sit back, relax and enjoy and laugh as loud as you want. There’s a lot of craziness in there with really good music.

David Meadows plays Smudge in the “Plaid Tidings” holiday musical at Pheasant Run. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Why is your character called Smudge and what is he like?
He’s left-handed, and so as he was writing down his schoolwork assignments, his hand would ... smudge everything. He’s the worrier ... and assumes that the audience won’t like him. He has a nervous stomach. (That all changes when he sings) ‘Let It Snow.’ I’ve worked with Bob Kiser before, who is doing both choreography and direction. He’s got great ideas. Ken Jones is musical director and will be on stage (at) a piano ... with a bass player. I’m very excited to (collaborate with them) again.

Is there poignancy to The Plaids’ unfulfilled dreams?
There’s a wishful part. I’m on stage alone (recalling how) whenever we’d get low or scared about our lives, we’d gather in my basement and daydream of doing our own Christmas (show). I sing ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and ‘Merry Christmas.’ It’s a very tender ballad.

I hear you’re working on your Ed Sullivan impression for a comic homage.
We perform the entire Ed Sullivan Christmas show in three minutes and 11 seconds.

WATCH THE PLAY

WHAT Called from on high, the “Forever Plaid” harmony group presents “Plaid Tidings”

WHERE Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles; (630) 584-6342; www.noblefool.org

WHEN Nov. 11 to Dec. 27, with shows at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday

HOW MUCH $29 to $39, with dinner packages from $49