Published: November 12, 2009 09:29 pm      

Denim, Diamonds &  Furs! benefits Cumberland Theatre

Griffiths opening their home for cocktail party Saturday evening

CUMBERLAND — A cocktail party to benefit Cumberland Theatre will be held Saturday evening at the home of Sam and Pam Griffith, 321 Fisher Drive.

Denim, Diamonds & Furs! from 7 to 9 p.m. will include drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

The event is open to the public. There is a set donation amount per person for admission. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling Pam Griffith at (301) 722-1928, Betty Jo Gehauf, (301) 724-2841, or Dottie Kight, (301) 777-7100.

The theater, now in its 22nd year, is a nonprofit organization entirely owned and operated by its board of trustees. These volunteers dedicate their time and resources to the funding and operation of the theater. Other volunteers support the theater by serving on various committees and by working as front of house staff.

Located at North Johnson and Fayette streets in the city’s historic district, the regional professional theater casts Actors’ Equity Association members in its productions.

The next show will be “Plaid Tidings,” the “Forever Plaid” holiday show, which will open on Nov. 27 with a meet-the-cast reception following the performance. The musical will run through Dec. 13, with shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The new show by Stuart Ross offers the best of “Forever Plaid,” a popular and successful musical.

According to promotional material: “This deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was.

“Filled with Christmas standards that have all been ‘Plaid-erized,’ our boys are back to do their Christmas Special. At first they aren’t sure why they’ve returned, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the ‘Plaids’ program of beloved songs and delightful patter keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s.”

For tickets to “Forever Plaid,” call the box office at (301) 759-4990 or e-mail boxoffice@cumberlandtheatre.com. A seating chart and other details may be seen at the Web site, www.cumberlandtheatre.com.