If you want a fine evening's entertainment, then try to get tickets to the Moore OnStage performance of "Forever Plaid," which continues through the weekend at the Sunrise Theater. I say "try" to get tickets because word has probably spread quickly about what a great production it is.

The Plaids, an all-guy quartet, were killed in a car crash back in the early 1960s on their way to a big gig. Now they've been given a chance to perform the show on which they've worked so hard -- in 2006.

Director Melvin Tunstall III has melded his actors --Christopher Spaulding (Francis, better known as Frankie), Matthew Addison (Sparky), Tim Herman (Smudge), and Torin Wright (Jinx) -- into The Plaids in this evening filled with music and laughter.

Songs include some familiar tunes like "Three Coins in a Fountain" and "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," but worth the price of admission alone is a rapid-fire version of "The Ed Sullivan Show," complete with the Singing Nun.

Gotta start with the local talent -- Torin Wright. Many Moore County residents will recognize him as the former choral director at Pinecrest High School. He is now teaching music for the Richmond County Schools as well as serving as choir director at Southern Pines United Methodist Church. I knew that Tory had a great voice but had no idea he could be so comical. All of his former students will not want to miss seeing his performance as Jinx.

The other three guys pretty much make their living on stage -- and one can see why they're able to do so. This is the second time Christopher Spaulding has played the role of Frankie; Matthew Addison reprises the character of Sparky; Tim Herman has played the role of Sparky and is playing Smudge for this production, which would be confusing for most of us. All of them are just wonderful.

The "boys" interact with the audience quite a bit, so be prepared for some fun.

Accompaniment is provided by Steven J. Menendez (musical director) on piano, along with Dana Taylor on bass and Tim Haley on drums. Mary McKeithen and Susanna Turner arranged for good-looking outfits appropriate to the group's name.

I can safely say that if you miss this production, you'll be missing out on one of the best ever done in the area.

Faye M. Dasen may be reached at fdasen@thepilot. com.