Special Feature

November 20th, 2008

Observations and Reflections on Life in General in These Here Parts

Toes were tappin’ and there were grins a’plenty this past Friday night when members of the media attended the opening show of “Plaid Tidings,” the rollicking musical that is the sequel to “Forever Plaid,” now playing at the Lawrence Welk Resort Theatre, just north of Escondido.

The “Plaid” concept deals with a group of four lads who were singers in the 1950’s, on their way to their first major concert, when they were all killed in a car crash. They were sent back down to earth by YouKnowWho to perform their final concert before a live audience (as opposed to the other kind).

While here, they romp through a series of songs and skits that leaves the audience enthralled by the music, harmony, and choreography . . . and almost in the same breath, in stitches at the comical presentations. Their three minute, eleven second depiction of “The Ed Sullivan Show” had the audience rolling in the aisles.

“Plaid Tidings” carries forth the same basic elements of “Forever Plaid,” but inserts just enough holiday references and/or songs that it makes for what is certain to become an annual holiday classic on a par with “The Wizard of Oz.”

Just how good this show is was demonstrated best by a well dressed, very attractive lady we chatted with after the show. “I haven’t laughed since my husband died two months ago,” she said. “I laughed tonight. Hard and often.” To know that a show has cheered up a sad and lonely widow . . . well, that is probably about the best review a show could receive.

The thought occurs that tickets to “Plaid Tidings” would make a mighty nice holiday present, whether for Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza. Tickets range from $52 to $55 for performance only and $66 to $71 to include a pre-show buffet at the Welk Resort’s Canyon Grille Restaurant.

For more information, call the Welk Resorts Theatre Box Office at 760.749.3448 or toll free at 1.800.802.7469. For group reservations of 15 or more persons call 760.749.8501. Matinee performances are also offered.