Langley’s own Dann Wilhelm stars in a production of Forever Plaid, opening tonight in New Westminster.
The 38-year-old Langley actor plays Francis, the leader and caretaker of a foursome.
Forever Plaid is the tale of four guys with a shared love of music who hone their talents in the basement of a plumbing supply company until they create a pop group that can compete with their idols.
When a tragic accident stops their career before it can begin, the story of Vagabond Players’ production of Forever Plaid begins.
Wilhelm is an award-winning musical theatre actor whose career began 25 years ago when he was still in high school.
He has been seen on stage all over the Lower Mainland with such groups as Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society, White Rock Players Club, Royal City Musical Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, and the Chilliwack Players Guild.
An accomplished actor, singer, dancer, director, stage manager and producer, Dann’s work has been nominated for multiple awards, having won twice for Best Actor in a Musical. Favourite directing credits include The Mikado, Santa Claus: The Panto, and Frankenstein 1930. Dann’s favourite acting credits are Tony in West Side Story, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Hero in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Frederic in Pirates of Penzance, Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Elyot in Private Lives, Parris in The Crucible, and Jim in Jim & Shorty. This is his first show with Vagabond Players and he is delighted to be making his Bernie Legge Theatre debut as one of the four ‘Plaids’.
The talented quartet is completed by Christopher Hall as Jinx, the shy tenor, Allen Fraser as Sparky, the comedian who is always looking to crack a joke, and Bradley Dewar as Smudge, the group’s worrier.
The combination of all these quirky and disparate personalities makes for an irresistible blend that will warm your hearts and send you out singing.
The lively choreography and delightful patter has audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to those fabulous tunes.
Directed by Wayne Nolan and with musical direction by Julie Atchison, Forever Plaid is a festive-season treat not to be missed. Performances run Nov. 24 to Dec. 18, Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. and Saturday matinees on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 at The Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen’s Park in New Westminster.
Tickets are $20, Seniors/Youth: $18 with $15 previews on November 24 and 25, and available at www.vagabondplayers.ca/tickets or call 604-521-0412.
