Theatre veterans join powerful line-up

Jamaican actor and comedian, Oliver Samuels, and actress Audrey Reid, of Dancehall Queen fame, have been added to the cast of celebrity performers for the 11th staging of the annual Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity Show on Sunday at the National Indoor Sports Centre, starting at 6 p.m.

The two will be part of the event, with a number of popular acts over the years and new performers who represent a wide range of professionals and leaders on the island. These include Ian Wilkinson, Lillyclair Bellamy, Sandra Phillips, Juliet Bailey, Carole Reid, R. Christene King, Charmaine Lemonius, Aloun Assamba, Dr Blossom O'Meally Nelson, Andrew Lawrence, Michael Powell, Emerson Henry, Tanice Morrison, Franz Clarke, Robbie Robinson, Linroy Edwards, DiMario McDowell, Carol Francis, Glynis Salmon, Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Clelia Baretto de Hunter, Gerthlyn Holman, Allison Moore, Audrey Hinchcliffe, Kerry Spencer, Julianna Cole, André Watson and Akeem Kerr, Dionne Forbes and Madge Barrett.

In addition, there is a new production team for this year's show, led by Weston Haughton and award-winning playwright, Aston Cooke, who will be the show's production director. They will be supported by Roxene Nickle-Alveranga (production and executive assistant), Kevin Riettie (set and graphic designer), Ewan Simpson (musical director), Steve Golding (stage manager) and Lawrence Tulloch (technical director). Sound and lighting will be provided by Clear Sounds, while TVJ will record the acts for broadcast.

high-energy rehearsals

"There is great camaraderie and high energy among the performers at rehearsals, which have been taking place in earnest in the last week leading up to the show, and this should positively impact the quality of the presentations," said Thyra Heaven, chairperson of the organising committee of the Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity show.

Heaven said she was grateful to all the performers as well as members of the previous production team, headed by Bert Rose. And she said the new production team has been working hard to prepare for the calendar event.

"We look forward to the 11th show being among the best over the past decade," she said. "There is quite a buzz about the show, so we appeal to patrons to ensure that they are first in line on November 6 to get the best seats, just behind the reserved section." Tickets are being sold at $2,000 for adults and $500 for children.

In expressing appreciation for all the volunteers on the show and patrons who continue to support the event, founder of the Mustard Seed Communities, The Very Rev Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, said: "The ongoing outpouring of support has been incredible. Mustard Seed Communities remains grateful for the selflessness of all those who are involved in the annual show. It is encouraging to know that there are individuals and organisations in our society that have committed themselves to assisting the most vulnerable members of the society."