Remember the hard-core vocal groups of the 50’s? They wore dinner jackets and bow ties, or perhaps cardigans and white “buck” shoes. Each vocal arrangement was a work of art, crooning through the airwaves and into the hearts of America.

“Forever Plaid,” showing at the Harris Arts Center this weekend, is the story of such a group. This well-known and much-loved musical chronicles the story of four young musicians who loved to sing. They met in high school, forming a quartet and spending every possible hour rehearsing for their big debut. Finally, on the way to their first “real” gig, the group met with a fatal car accident. As their lives and careers end, the story of “Forever Plaid” begins; the night’s show is their last chance to perform the concert snatched away by fate.

A hit parade of 50’s classics, the show’s energy is non-stop.

Directed by Mary Ellen McCall with musical direction by Elaine Little, Forever Plaid will run Aug. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Harris Arts Center, $15 general admission, $12 HAC members, and $8 students 18 and under. Previously produced by the Calhoun Little Theatre in 1999, opening night of the show will feature a tribute to former cast members.

The cast of Forever Plaid is played by the Calhoun High School Quartet of 2009-2011. Selected by Elaine Little in 2009, this group placed first in Region VIIAA Literary Competition for the last three years. In 2010, they placed first at the State level as well, earning them the state championship rings they so proudly wear today. Proclaimed as state literary runner-up in 2011, this group has also won awards at Harmony Explosion Barbershop Camp and other competitions.

Meet The Plaids

Jinx, the group’s shy-but-angelically-voiced tenor, is played by Chas Waters, a freshman music major at Reinhart College, where he began classes this summer. During his high school career, he participated in Men’s Chorus, mid-winter Barbershop Convention, Georgia Thespian Conference, and 2010 Georgia All State Chorus. In 2009, Waters composed several musical selections for The Arabian Nights, winner of Region VIIAA One Act Competition, also claiming third place at the state level. He served as accompanist for the entire show. He plays drums and bass as well as sings and writes music in his own band, The Waters Brothers, and has recently fallen in love with another instrument, the string bass. He is the son of Bruce and Sharon Waters and brother of Ian and Camille.

Frankie, the group’s lead singer, is played by Marcello Audino. Playing football as a freshman, he soon gave up the pigskin to pursue his passion for the arts. Audino has been a part of the one act and winter play casts throughout high school, and was selected for Region All Star Cast for his role in The Arabian Nights. A singer, dancer, and actor for the Georgia Thespian Conference opening number the last two years, he was also chosen for Georgia All State Chorus in 2009. As if all this couldn’t keep him busy enough, Audino is currently working with Barbizon Modeling Agency, already in pursuit of an acting career. He is the son of Bill and Maria Audino and has an older brother, Anthony.

Sparky, who suffers from a speech disability yet delivers the group’s most difficult harmonies, is played by the talented Christopher Robin Sapp, who has played trombone in the CHS Marching Band since eighth grade. Selected for the Georgia All State Chorus in seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades, this year he was also selected for District Honor Band. Sapp just returned from the Governor’s Honors Program, held at Valdosta State College, and holds two particular musical honors: (1) He is Calhoun’s first ever GHP representative in music, and (2) he has also received a score of 4 (out of a possible 5) on the Advanced Placement Music Theory test, also a Calhoun first. He has been a part of CHS’s one act team for all three years of high school and is an Honor Thespian. It is no surprise that Sapp’s college plans are to proceed down the musical path he has begun. Chris is the son of Susan Cooper and William Sapp.

The foundation of each rich chord, bass singer Smudge is played by Logan Daniel, who is active in Beta Club and youth activities of the Calhoun First Baptist Church. Daniel also enjoys working out, body building, horticulture, bulldogs, kittens, and spending time with his girlfriend. Playing both piano and drums, his musical “roots” stem from both sides of his family tree. Daniel’s first thespian experience began with The Arabian Nights, where he quickly adapted (and enjoyed) being a shirtless percussionist on stage. He also served as drummer for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He is the son of Alan and Gina Daniel, and has a twin brother, Clay.