Jamaica Awareness, continues to present quality cultural events to South Florida's dynamic and growing Caribbean community.
The King of Caribbean Comedy, Oliver Samuels, leads a talented cast in Patrick Brown's hilarious River Bottom, Scheduled to play the North Miami Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July 5, 8:00 p.m. and The Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, July 6, 7:00 p.m.
Winner of seven Actor Boy Awards,(Jamaica's top honors for theater) River Bottom is Packed with trials and conflicts, a heavy serving of social commentary, wit and humor, River Bottom offers audiences laugh-out-loud-funny entertainment. While Samuels (excellent comedic timing) and Campbell (watch out for his Chiney man impersonation) are in high form here, it is the younger cast members who shine most on stage.
In the play, Samuels is in top form, playing the role of Cappo, the spiritual leader, MP and storm whisperer of River Bottom, a poverty-stricken Jamaican district where residents try to make life without running water and electricity. Cappo, with his power, influence and wealth, abuses his "authority" as his uneducated, gullible followers turn to him for everything and hang on to his every word. He has his eyes on Pearle (Camille Davis), the community's young sweetheart, whose mother Miss Cherry (Belinda Reid) is a very progressive-minded woman who wants only the best for her daughter.
Though Cappo (with his Rav 4 obsession, two-storey house with car porch and back verandah) reigns supreme in the district, times are a-changing in River Bottom, especially with the return of Quatty (Chris Hutchinson), a young man who returns to the district after going abroad to seek an education - returning with a fresher take on life and ready to pass on his newfound wisdom to the residents of his childhood district. Happy too, to reunite with his father, Half Q (Glen Campbell). Of course, Cappo hates opposition and sees Quatty as a threat to his leadership. Worst of all, they both share tender feelings for Pearle. With the coming of Hurricane Dawn, residents have to decide whether they trust Cappo's spiritual powers or Quatty's more educated judgement.
River Bottom is pure family entertainment and must not be missed.
Culturama 2008 is around the corner, and this celebration of emancipation and independence for Jamaicans in South Florida promises a mix of some of the best young talent from Jamaica as well as outstanding Florida-based performers. Culturama is scheduled for August 2 and 3.
River Bottom Saturday, July 05, 2008 - Julius Littman Theatre, North Miami
Oliver Samuels stars in Patrick Brown's hilarious play entitled River Bottom.
