www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, May 19, 2016 | 48 John Bkila Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Jeff Madden `beyond proud' to be part of Forever Plaid Oakville actor, who plays Jinx, is no stranger to the stage or small screen by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" Oakville stage and TV actor Jeff Madden says he was "beyond proud" when he found out he'd be joining the cast of the Toronto production of Forever Plaid. Madden plays Jinx, one of the four lead characters who form the Plaids, a quartet of male singers in the 1950s who end up taking a detour to heaven on their way to their big concert. Jinx, along with Frankie, Sparky and Smudge, ends up taking the stage posthumously for their final gig. "Jinx is such a fun character to play -- he's shy and even downright terrified most of the time. He has a big heart, a lot of talent, and wants to chase his dreams of being a successful singer," he told the Oakville Beaver. "I can totally relate to all of that and I am excited to bring my own spin to such a beloved character." Forever Plaid opened Tuesday (May 17) at Toronto's Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., and runs until June 12. It is directed and choreographed by Tekatch, featuring set and costume design by Jennifer Goodman, lighting by Beth Kates and sound by John Lott. The Dora Award winning and off-Broadway musical was originally written, directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt, and was originally produced by Gene Wolsk. "We are thrilled to be bringing Forever Plaid back to Toronto audiences after 20 years. It's a beautiful story, and the frequent laugh-out-loud moments and timeless music are sure to delight audiences both young and old," said Corey Ross, president of Starvox Entertainment, which produces the show. The music covers the classic pop hits of the `50s, such as Moments to Remember, Heart and Soul, and Love is a Many Splendored Thing. "It's an honour to be a part of such a timeless and charming production that appeals to all ages," said Madden. "The show is returning to Toronto after 20 years, and it re- From left, Oakville's Jeff Madden with castmates Scott Beaudin, Jonathan Cullen and Matt Cassidy who all star in the Toronto production of Forever Plaid on stage at the Panasonic Theatre until June 12. | photo by Racheal McCaig, courtesy of Starvox Entertainment ally offers something for everyone. The music, the story, the characters -- fans are still excited for it after all this time, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it." Madden is no stranger to the screen or stage. He received a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and has participated in eight seasons at the Shaw Festival. He has also appeared on Canadian TV series Murdoch Mysteries and Mayday. Tickets for Forever Plaid start at $39.95 and can be purchased online at mirvish.com or by phone at 1-800-461-3333. Follow the Toronto production on social media with the hashtag #ForeverPlaidTO on Twitter and Instagram (@ PlaidisBackTO), or Facebook (Plaid is Back TO). It's an honour to be a part of such a timeless and charming production that appeals to all ages. The show is returning to Toronto after 20 years, and it really offers something for everyone. The music, the story, the characters -- fans are still excited for it after all this time, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it. Jeff Madden Oakville actor Big Movies... small mall Prices! 171 Speers Road (at Kerr) Oakville General: $8.50 Children (3-13): $6.50 seniors (65+): $6.50 tuesdays: $5.00 905-338-6397 www.film.ca facebook.com/filmca @FilmCaCinemas Captain aMeriCa: Civil War (pG) May 6th Money Monster (stC) May 13th the anGry Birds Movie (pG) May 20th aliCe throuGh the lookinG Glass (stC) May 27th X-Men: apoCalypse ypse (stC) May 27th