"Forever Plaid" plays Conway Muse till October 1

If you want “Moments to Remember,” great songs from the 1950s, familiar melodies harmoniously harmonized by four guys in bright white suit coats with plaid bow ties and matching cummerbunds, accompanied by crisp choreography, smiling faces and naive enthusiasm, go see “Forever Plaid,” playing at Conway Muse through October 1. You will be glad you did.

The audience at Saturday’s sold-out show thoroughly enjoyed themselves, laughing, applauding, and joining in singing throughout the performance. They found many “Magic Moments” during the fast-paced show, though the quartet of T.J. Anderson (Frankie), Matt Bianconi (Jinx), Jason Leander (Smudge) and Mark Wenzel (Sparky) seemed to leisurely waltz through their 29 songs over the two acts.

Starting with the 1954 movie classic “Three Coins In The Fountain,” this ‘50s guys group moved effortlessly through four decades of hit songs, culminating in the Beatles “She Loves You.” In this, sung as the Beatles could never imagine, tongues were firmly in cheek, as they were throughout the night.

The story is impossibly corny, so just be glad that the quartet, killed instantly in 1964 when hit broadside by a school bus taking Catholic teens to see the Beatles U.S. first television appearance on Ed Sullivan, has come back.

Their time in heaven did wonders. Forever Plaid’s tight, energetic, precise choreography is matched by their huge, constant smiles. The group clearly loves performing together, enjoying corny jokes and expressive comedy. Each has his solo moments, but they really shine as an ensemble.

Three of the many scenes to look forward to: tricking Perry Como into coming to their show. Confessing, Sparky is rewarded by Mr. C with a gold-colored Cardigan sweater on a red velvet pillow. The songs “Sing to Me, Mr. C” and “Catch a Falling Star” follow.

The audience participates in “The Plaids go Calypso!” as Christmas lights strung between two poles are marched into the middle of the room and the set of “Dey-O,” “Kingston Market,” “Jamaica Farewell” and “Matilda,” are sung with hearty audience participation.

Reminiscing about the weekly family truce called for watching The Ed Sullivan Show, Francis introduces the scene with a cut out Mercury Monterey. The group’s “The Mercury Commercial” is followed by “the entire ‘Ed Sullivan Shoe’ in three minutes and eleven seconds.” While singing “Lady of Spain” they mime Groucho Marx, spin plates, dance ballet and revive José Jiménez and Topo Gigio.

How do they do all this on a shoestring, community theatre budget?

This is all made possible by the talents of director Julie Wenzel, Carole Leander, musical director, Missi Smith, choreographer and Phyllis Hammatt, costumer. And, of course, the band: Rick Refling, bass and Jo Jeffrey and, the night I was there, Stephen Pillola, alternating on piano.

As a review read on stage put it: “This group’s sound is to contemporary music as Formica is to marble.” You were warned.

Buy your tickets. Last Saturday’s show was sold out.

“Forever Plaid” plays Sept 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct 1 at 2 p.m. at The Conway Muse, 8444 Spruce Street, Conway.98238. Buy tickets: http://m.bpt.me/event/3045825.