'Forever Plaid' to mark anniversary on big screen

Four young men, plaid jackets in tow, were on their way to their first big performing gig (at the 'Fusel-Lounge' in the Pennsylvania airport), when they were hit and killed by a bus filled with Catholic school girls who on their way to see the Beatles appear on the Ed Sullivan show.

No doubt you know what happens next. The men are sent back to Earth, nearly 50 years later, for one last chance to put on the show they never got to perform in life.

And so begins "Forever Plaid," one of off-Broadway's most popular and critically acclaimed musicals, performed throughout the world — and it's getting ready to celebrate 20 years of music.

How best to celebrate? In true Plaid fashion … by putting on a show! But this time, the Plaids will be larger than life. Much like the musical, for one night only, the Plaids will sing together again, this time on the big screen.

NCM Fathom and Forever Plaid productions have partnered to present a pre-taped 20th anniversary performance on July 9, featuring original cast members. Along with the pre-taped portion, the event will include a live red carpet appearance, introduction of the cast and special celebrity guests, a live performance by the Plaids singing songs fans have never heard before and a live coast-to-coast sing-a-long with the Plaids.

"This is really unique opportunity for Plaid fans," said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. "Based on the success of the show for 20 years, this is a way for fans to come out and experience the show together as a community and really have a fun evening."

Fathom has brought a variety of special events to movie theaters: everything from Garth Brooks and Celine Dion concerts, to performances by the Metropolitan Opera, to personality shows, such as Glenn Beck and Dr. Laura.

"We've seen terrific response to our events," Diamond said, "and Salt Lake in particular has been a huge supporter of the events we've done."

"Forever Plaid" played the East Room of the White House (under the first Bush administration); they sang for President Clinton, gave a command performance for HRH Queen Elizabeth and performed for Japanese dignitaries. The Plaids have sung nonstop worldwide for nearly 20 years, grossing ticket sales of more than $300,000,000.

"It is amazing, considering the show was put together in my apartment in New York back in '89," said Stan Chandler, the original Jinx. "We were performing in a supper club on the upper west side of Manhattan, and it was just fun."

Chandler, who will be part of the Fathom event and is also on the soundtrack, has been with the show since its inception.