Red Carpet Comes To Kelowna! (Jul 2)
"Forever Plaid," one of Off-Broadway's most popular and critically acclaimed musicals, is making its first appearance on the big screen in the Forever Plaid 20th Anniversary Special event on Thursday, July 9th. As film producer Ermanno Barone calls Kelowna home for part of the year, he offered the Central Okanagan Foundation a once in a lifetime chance to combine the film premiere with fundraising to benefit charities in our community!
Select members from the original "Forever Plaid" cast will introduce the event LIVE from the red carpet at Los Angeles' Club Nokia to fans in movie theaters across the Canada and US, followed by a specially-taped 20th Anniversary performance of "Forever Plaid." Audiences will experience a memorable evening, combining the 20th Anniversary event classic production with new and interactive twists, including a first-ever LIVE, coast-to-coast in-theater sing-a-long with "The Plaids." "The Plaids" will incorporate a mix of "swinging standards" and contemporary songs featuring a few strikingly original medleys of the old and the new - all sung in their close harmony style and broadcast to participating movie theaters nationwide.
As Leanne Hammond Komori, of Central Okanagan Foundation explains, "Imagine a true Hollywood Premiere happening right here in Kelowna! Our guests will get to walk the red carpet, enjoy delicious nibblies prepared by local chef Travis Hackl/Okanagan's Finest Foods, and take in a once in a lifetime show." According to organizers, in true Hollywood style guests will also be invited to partake in a post-event party at the beautiful Ridge Restaurant with stunning views of the valley and more amazing food and wine.
"Forever Plaid has been the number one Off-Broadway show for the last 20 years amassing a very loyal following of ‘Plaid Head' fans along the way," said Ermanno Barone President of Entertainment. "This is the perfect way to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of ‘Forever Plaid and an incredible opportunity to see an exclusive live performance by select members of the original cast. It will also be an unusual and fun way to support the Central Okanagan Foundation and the work we do to support our local charitable sector." says Leanne Hammond Komori, executive director of the Central Okanagan Foundation.
Created by writer and director Stuart Ross, "Forever Plaid" centers on the four members of a fictional 1950s close-harmony group who were killed on their way to their big break. Miraculously, the four deceased singers are given a second chance to hit the perfect chord by performing their cabaret act almost 50 years after their deaths, putting on the show they never performed in life. The score consists of musical favorites, including "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember," "Chain Gang," "Heart and Soul" and "Love is a Many
Splendored Thing." "Forever Plaid," the No. 1 Off-Broadway show, generated more than $300 million in ticket sales during its two-decade run. David Hyde Pierce, of the popular television series Frasier provides the narration for the pre-taped anniversary performance.
The FOREVER PLAID & LIVE performance takes place Thursday July 9th at Orchard Plaza Famous Players theatre. For details and ticket purchase call Central Okanagan Foundation at 250-861-6160
