A view from the cliff-May Means Music, Mystery

Musical comedy and lighthearted mystery are notable entries on the playbill this May. The Astoria Performing Arts Center presents “Forever Plaid” while the Spotlight Players in Ozone Park offer a charming whodunit.
Located at 27-18 Hoyt Avenue South, APAC’s intimate venue keeps everyone just feet from the performers. On opening night, the audience was treated to a well-acted, intelligent glimpse into changing American musical moods. Frankie, Sparky, Jinx, and Smudge (Frederick Hamilton, Shad Olsen, Ryan J. Ratliff, and Joseph Torello) represent the demise of 1950’s four-part harmonies. However, a traffic accident before their big break at the airport lounge in the 1960’s ends their dreams. Luckily, a glitch in nature’s programming has returned them to the present for their debut as…FOREVER PLAID.
With childlike honesty, the guys confess their dreams and shortcomings. They play musical spoons, use Christmas lights as props, and manage to produce stunning harmonies. Of course it’s all clever satire with countless double meanings and extremely sharp wit. After all, the accident that sent PLAID to the cosmos in 1964 also signaled the start of the British musical invasion and the fickle public’s latest musical affair.
It helps if you have some knowledge of Perry Como, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ed Sullivan, and the Four Lads but it isn’t mandatory. Just sit back and enjoy “Catch a Falling Star,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” “Moments to Remember,” and many others.
Director/choreographer Brian Swasey showcases each performer’s singing and satirical talents as their emotions intertwine. Musicians Jeffrey Campos and Byrne Clay deserve their own applause as well. Executive Director Taryn Drongowski is a charming successor to the celebrity dynamos who preceded her.
FOREVER PLAID is on a very limited run. Call (718) 393-7505 for tickets or check their website at www.apacny.org for information.
Meanwhile, the Spotlight Players who perform at the CLC Community Center (85-10 101st Ave., Ozone Park) are an established troupe whose projects include musicals and drama. This spring they have decided to involve the audience in a murder mystery. The premise? A movie director has come to Queens to find unknown talent for his latest production. Before long, the night has taken a deadly turn in “Audition for Murder.”
At Saturday night’s performance, about one hundred sleuths of all ages tried to unmask the killer. The clues appeared from every direction. A delicious hot buffet with outstanding desserts helped keep everyone in focus. The ensemble, representing the requisite philandering and/or jealous significant others are Tony Furio, Roger Gendron, Fran Guida, Tim Klein, Mary Radus, Joseph and Kimberly Riley. They brought quite a few eager guests onstage to join in the show. By night’s end, the killer was revealed and prizes were awarded.
For information on the Spotlight Players, call (718) THEATER. That’s (718) 843-2837.
There are quite a few community productions this spring. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.