Cabaret-After Friday & Saturday evening shows

Mixed Nuts – Lightly Salted
Join Skylight's "old salts”, Leslie Fitzwater and James Valcq in acorn-y evening of songs shelled from some of their past productions, including BALLYMORE, THE STUDENT PRINCE, and James' own THE SPITFIRE GRILL.  All will be seasoned with reflections of Leslie and James' years with the Skylight.  You’ll go absolutely coconuts for these chestnuts.  This evening will never drupe.  I can almost see it now – cashew?

Characters

Frankie: The leader and caretaker of the group, Frankie has the most confidence. He takes care of his fellow Plaids and makes sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and what is supposed to happen next. He is also the connection between the guys and the audience. He has asthma, which acts up whenever numbers are too fast or the choreography gets too energetic. He has a great deal of compassion for the music and the group.
Sparky: The “cut-up” of the group, Sparky is always looking for ways to crack jokes. He is very sharp and loves singing his tailor-made solos. Even though he is energetic and clever, he cares for his stepbrother, Jinx. He sings with a joyous bravura and loves to perform. He loves to tell stories and relishes every word. He is the comic engine of the show.
Jinx: The shy one, Jinx is usually terrified. He doesn’t always remember what songs come next or what the next move is. He is Sparky’s stepbrother and there is a little sibling rivalry going on between them. He occasionally gets a nosebleed when he sings above an A. He lives his life terrified. He was abused and beaten. He is only in the group because he sings the high notes beautifully. The others are very protective of him.
Smudge: The worrier, Smudge worries about the props and the running order and always assumes that the audience won’t like him. He has a chronic nervous stomach and is very reluctant to perform. He is also very clumsy. Smudge never enjoys or appreciates what he has. He always worries about what is coming up and regrets what is past.

The Writer

STUART ROSS directed the original New York production of Forever Plaid, which ran for five years, and many of the long-running productions around the country and internationally. In New York Mr. Ross wrote the script and co-wrote the lyrics for the New York Public Theatre's production of his new musical Radiant Baby, based on the life of artist Keith Haring (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Award nominations for Best Musical). His wildly irreverent adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers was presented in workshop for The Roundabout Theatre Company in New York. Stuart co-wrote the script (with MarkHampton) and directed The Boswell Sisters at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre. On Broadway Stuart co-wrote thebook (with Barry Keating) to the Tony® nominated musical Starmites as well as The Radio City Music Hall Easter Show. Off-Broadway he wrote A Leap Of Faith (a one woman show for Faith Prince), The Heebie Jeebies, Not-So-New Faces, Tea With Bea and Fun With Dick And Jane: The Musical. As a director he has worked at some of the country’s most prestigious theatres, including Manhattan Theatre Club, San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, Primary Stages, The Alley Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House and The Walnut Street Theatre among others.

For the past few seasons, Mr. Ross has been active in Los Angeles theatre, directing such productions as Promises, Promises starring Jason Alexander and Jean Smart and Brigadoon starring Marin Mazzie, Jason Daniely, Deborah Gibson and Orson Bean (Reprise), Dan Kagan's Antisemitropolis starring Marion Ross and Caroline Aaron, and Paper Moon-The Musical starring Jean Smart and Greg Jbara (Falcon Theatre). For television, he directed episodes of “Frasier” and “Veronica's Closet.” He has also staged and created special material for the PBS Great Performances 'An Evening At The Pops' starring Jason Alexander. Mr. Ross has written countless sketches for stage and has created many industrial shows and nightclub performances both as writer and director. In this field, he has worked with such great performers as Diahann Carroll, Mary Martin, Faith Prince, Jason Alexander and Jaye P. Morgan. For eight seasons Stuart has worked as a director/dramaturg and/or writer at the National Music Theatre Conference, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center. For the past six years he has been a panelist for the ASCAP Foundation/ Disney Musical Theatre Workshop. He is currently founding director for The Garage For Musical Theatre- a not for profit company solely for the development of creators of musical theatre.

Musical Selection

Act One -- 60 minutes
Strangers In Paradise
Amor/Hallelujah
Holiday For Plaids
Sh-Boom
The Most Wonderful Time/Merry Christmas
Besame Mucho/Kiss Of Fire
Come On-A My House
Hey There
Mambo Italiano
The Christmas Song
Christmas Calypso

THERE WILL BE A 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION BETWEEN ACTS

 Act Two -- 50 minutes
Holiday Talk
Cool Yule
White Christmas
Let It Snow
Carol Of The Bells
Joy To The World
Mr. Santa
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Plaid Christmas Medley
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas