Hope Summer Repertory Theatre continues its 37th season with the musical "Forever Plaid" opening June 20 in the Knickerbocker Theatre.

The Knickerbocker, which was donated to Hope College in 1988, was a new venue for HSRT last season. As a site for a multitude of Hope College's artistic performances such as the Visiting Writers Series, the Great Performance Series, and dance concerts, the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is excited to be back again this summer in Holland's picturesque downtown.

"Forever Plaid" tells the story of a vivacious 1950's men's quartet who unexpectedly become victims of a tragic car accident on the way to their "dream gig," but with a little heavenly intervention, the men are able to live out their dream.  Performing tight melodies and heavily choreographed dance moves, the men star in hits such as "Catch a Falling Star," "Sixteen Tons," "Heart and Soul," and "Three Coins in the Fountain," a tribute to the Ed Sullivan show. 

Michael Hanson, who returns for his second season with HSRT will be playing Sparky.  Last season he was seen in "The Hypochondriac," the Head Waiter in "She Loves Me," and was featured in "Godspell" and "Go Dog Go!."  He recently earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting degree at the University of Connecticut and will return home to New York in the fall. 

Jonathan Spivey returns for this third season with HSRT to play Smudge.  The Holland community will also recognize him from his appearances in some of HSRT's most memorable shows such as "She Loves Me," "Godspell," "The Hypochondriac," "Oliver," "Shakespeare in Hollywood," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."  He is currently living in New York City pursuing his acting career. 

Also a HSRT veteran is Teddy Yudain who will be playing Jinx.  Last summer he played Judas in "Godspell," Monsieur Bonfaux in "The Hypochondriac," and the clumsy busboy in "She Loves Me." He graduated in 2007 with his BFA in Acting from the University of Connecticut.

The Plaids are directed by James Saba, with new-comer musical director Katherine Strohmaier. 

Making his HSRT debut as an acting intern is Michael Haller who will be playing Frankie.  He will be entering his third year as a BFA Musical Theatre major at Ithaca College this fall.

The show continues throughout the summer with performances at 8 p.m. on June 20, 21, 24, 26, 28, July 1, 21, 30, and August 4. 

Tickets have already gone on sale at both the DeVos Fieldhouse and the DeWitt Theatre Ticket Office.  Prices range from $8-$26 for plays and season tickets range from $45-$85.

The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Beginning June 14 the ticket office is open on Saturday's at noon. On performance dates, the DeWitt Ticket Office will be open through intermission.  The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Cultural Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. For tickets call the ticket office at 616-395-7890.

For more information visit the HSRT website at www.hope.edu/hsrt

The DeWitt Theatre is located at 141 East 12th Street.  While 12th Street is under construction, the DeWitt and Martha Miller parking lots are both accessible from the North.

And while at the ticket office, make sure to check out HSRT's other productions
such as "Kiss Me Kate" opening June 13, the cabaret at Til Midnight, "Closer Than Ever" opening July 5, "The Foreigner" opening July 11, and "Doubt, A Parable" opening July 18. The Children's Performance Troupe will also be presenting "Sarah Plain and Tall" opening June 18 and "Petite Rouge, the Cajun Red Riding Hood" opening July 16.