Ronald Goshop - Contributed

Centerstage Theatre in New Kingston will be buzzing with excitement from now to mid-July for the much-anticipated comedy/drama Moon River, written by Adrian Nelson and produced by the 'King of Comedy', Oliver Samuels, and Nelson.

The reasons for the buzz about this production are varied. According to most patrons, who are part of sold-out bookings, which already account for over 90 per cent of the show nights, everyone is eager to experience what Samuels will be bringing to the stage as a producer on this occasion.

"Oliver is the best there is on stage and with the likes of Michael Nicholson as director, the exciting return of Ronald Goshop and my favourite actress, Dorothy Cunningham, all in one mix, I am just so eager and excited to see this Moon River, which, everyone, it seems, is now talking about," said Samantha Stewart, a self-described avid theatre goer.

Promises excitement

Moon River promises to be an exciting, thought-provoking, comedy/drama laced with humour, suspense, intrigue and soul-searching moments, which will captivate the roots play lovers, the uptown and Christian audiences.

Moon River stars Cunningham, Goshop, Sheldon Shepherd, Kedecia Stewart, Keniesha Bowes and Pinciana Ennis. It tells the story of 'Grease' (played by Goshop), who becomes a self-styled gangster and faces the harsh consequences of being a gang leader.

Intensifying family issues, brought on by his teenage stepdaughter (Bowes) and an unexpected visit from her relative, 'Aunt Hilda' (played by Cunningham), compound his problems. He is forced to make life-changing decisions which turn his 'gangster's paradise' into a place of turmoil, heartbreak, betrayal and bloodshed.

Finds new love

This is, for the most part, due to daily issues with his estranged spouse, 'Kim' (Stewart), and his trigger-happy right-hand man, 'Bleachy' (played by Shepherd). Amid all the uproar, 'Grease' finds new love when he meets Melissa (Ennis). When his stepdaughter converts to Christianity, the atheist gang leader is forced into a precarious situation, which further intensifies, when he relives a terrible experience.

Nicholson, fresh from directing last summer's blockbuster, Concubine, serves as director for this production which will take audiences on a rollercoaster emotional ride.

Moon River plays Wednesdays to Sundays at 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 5 p.m.