Celebrate the return of live theater at Drury Lane with audience favorite Forever Plaid. A delightful revue packed with 1950s barbershop flare, Forever Plaid was originally written, directed, and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt, and originally produced by Gene Wolsk. Paul Stancato helms Drury Lane’s production as Director and Choreographer, and Valerie Maze serves as the production’s Music Director and Conductor. Forever Plaid runs September 17 – November 7, 2021 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is scheduled for Thursday, September 23 at 8:00 p.m.
On the way to their first big gig, tragedy strikes Forever Plaid, a “guy group” specializing in barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies. Forever Plaid begins when the guys are given the chance to perform from the afterlife. This smash hit musical is a nostalgic homage to the music of the ‘50s and includes hits such as “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “Love is a Many-Splendored Thing.”
The cast of Forever Plaid features Brian Eng (Sparky), Michael Ferraro (Frankie), Yando Lopez (Jinx) and A.D. Weaver (Smudge).
The creative team includes: Paul Stancato (Director/Choreographer), Felicia Finley (Assistant Director/Choreographer),
Valerie Maze (Music Director/Conductor), Kristen Martino (Scenic Designer), Rachel Boylan (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Ray Nardelli (Sound Designer), and Cassy Schillo (Props Designer). The Production Stage Manager is Juli Walker and the Assistant Stage Manager is Lina Benich.
Forever Plaid is rated PG.
About the Artists
BRYAN ENG (Sparky) is emphatically grateful to be making his Drury Lane debut! Regional credits include: Ever in the Glades and Tosca at the Kennedy Center, Grease at the Marriott, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at Lookingglass. Film/TV: Christmas Again, Chicago Fire, and Pools. Additionally, Bryan is a multifaceted jazz pianist/vocalist performing regularly around Chicago with his trio.
MICHAEL FERRARO (Francis) returns to Drury Lane Theatre where he was last seen in Rock of Ages. Chicago/Regional Credits: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Mamma Mia! at Paramount Theatre, Revisits… Little Me, Dreamgirls at Porchlight Music Theatre, Ghost at Theatre at the Center, Jesus Christ Superstar at Theo Ubique, Cymbeline at First Folio Theatre, It Shoulda Been You, The Fantasticks, My Fair Lady at Actors Theatre of Indiana. BFA musical theatre, Ball State University. Proud member of AEA.
YANDO LOPEZ (Jinx, Dance Captain) is so grateful to be back onstage at Drury Lane where he's been seen in Mamma Mia! (Eddie) and A Christmas Carol (Ensemble). TV: The Thing About Harry (Bryan). Regional credits: Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino) at Skylight Music Theatre; Legally Blonde (Carlos, Ensemble), In the Heights (Ensemble) at Paramount Theatre; Spamilton (Lin Manuel, Jeff nomination) at the Royal George; Forever Plaid (Jinx/Dance Captain, Jeff nomination) at Theatre at the Center; The Christians (Praise Team) at Steppenwolf; Madagascar! (King Julien) at Marriott Lincolnshire.
A.D. WEAVER (Smudge) is thrilled to make his DL debut! Regional Theater credits: Fireside Theatre (The Buddy Holly Story), Mirrorbox Theater (His Shadow), Mercury Theater Chicago (Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors), Playhouse Stage Co. NY (Ragtime), Court Theater (Five Guys Named Moe), Children’s Theater of Madison (Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane), Black Ensemble Theater (Teddy Pendergrass Story), Cardinal Stage Co. (A Year with Frog and Toad), ETA Creative Arts (Migration), NIETF Foundation (Ragtime). Television: Southside, American Greed. As a concert vocalist, he’s toured Europe and Asia. Proud AEA member. A.D. is proudly represented by DDO Artist Agency.
Fact Sheet / Forever Plaid
Title: Forever Plaid
Written and Originally
Directed and Choreographed by: Stuart Ross
Musical Continuity Supervision
and Arrangements by: James Raitt
Originally Produced by: Gene Wolsk
Directed
and Choreographed by: Paul Stancato
Music Direction by: Valerie Maze
Featuring: Brian Eng (Sparky), Michael Ferraro (Frankie), Yando Lopez (Jinx) and A.D. Weaver (Smudge).
Creative Team: Felicia Finley (Assistant Director/Choreographer), Kristen Martino (Scenic Designer), Rachel Boylan (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Ray Nardelli (Sound Designer), and Cassy Schillo (Props Designer). The Production Stage Manager is Juli Walker and the Assistant Stage Manager is Lina Benich.
Dates
Previews: September 17 – 22, 2021
Regular run: September 24 – November 7, 2021
Press Opening: Thursday, September 23 at 8:00 pm
Schedule
- Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Tickets
- Previews: $52 – $67
- Single Tickets: $59 – $72
- Wednesday and Thursday matinees: $57
- Thursday and Sunday evenings: $67
- Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees: $72
- Senior Citizens start at $55 for matinees
- Student group tickets available
- Dining and show packages available
Box Office: 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 530-0111, or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com
2020/2021 Season and Subscription Information
Also playing as part of the 2021/2022 season are Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (November 19, 2021 – January 9, 2022); Evita (January 28 – March 20, 2022); Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I (April 1 – Mary 22, 2022) and Steel Magnolias (June 10 – July 31, 2022).
Five-show subscriptions for the 2021/2022 Season are on sale now starting at $170. Subscribers receive priority seating, special offers on dining, flexible ticket exchanges, and early notification for added events and concerts. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.
The performance schedule for all productions during the 2021/2022 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Student group tickets start as low as $40 and Senior Citizens start at $50 for matinees. Dining and show packages are also available. For individual ticket on-sale dates and ticket reservations, call the Drury Lane Theatre Box Office at (630) 530-0111 or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.
About Drury Lane Theatre
Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.
Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 60 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports our artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form.
The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.