Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer
The cast of 'Pupalick'. - Contributed
The Pantry Playhouse, located in St Andrew, has served its fourth production since February of this year. The play is the third sequel in the 'Jamaica2Rahtid' series. But is the third time a charm?
Yes, would be the reply from the fair audience in attendance recently. Their sustained laughter from beginning to end affirmed this assumption. And, there was much to laugh about.
Dubbed 'Jamaica2Rahtid - Pupalick' the opening was lively. The play began with an energetic cast selling, with great conviction, the unsuspecting audience, some Cuban light bulbs. And those who dare to object? Go see the play and find out.
Written by Aston Cooke and directed by Michael Nicholson, Jamaica2Rhatid - Pupalick is a comedy revue on some current and not so current political, educational and social issues. The issues are presented through songs, dialogues and monologues, with biting titles such as 'Free Bulb for Sale' and 'Pickney Parliament'. The issues are presented in 24 sketches.
The best charm in Pupalick is the innovative way in which Cooke presents the issues, like the light-bulb saga, which have been the source of many debates since it became news. In general, the sketches are creatively written, but Cooke's brilliance is highlighted in 'Party Sound Clash'; this being a satire on the debate between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. But instead of using spoken words the characters conduct an entertaining debate through the use of songs. And did the audience respond accordingly? You bet they did.
Another well-written piece, and an audience-pleaser, is 'Bar Talk'. Through Bar Talk, Cooke presents a hilarious view of the confusion that can arise when Jamaicans use the Jamaican dialect prism to interpret Jamaican Standard English. Also, the sketch entitled 'Hurricane Relief' is not the expected.
The cast of five, Everaldo Creary, Christopher Daley, Dahlia Harris, Zandriann Maye and Christopher McFarlane, was excellent. The players delivered their lines with clarity and showed great talent as singers and dancers.
Christopher McFarlane was best in his roles as the interviewer in 'Profile' and the reggae artiste in 'Welcome to Jamaica'. He captured the gestures and posture of Ian Boyne with accuracy and showed contrast in his role as the popular entertainer.
Zandriann Maye's best performances were in 'Cash Plus' and Angelita in "Angelita and Teacher", while Dahlia Harris showed growth and versatility in her role as the girlfriend in 'Hotel Strike' and the leader of the opposition in 'Party Sounds Clash'.
Christopher Daley also showed growth and maturity in his acting. He was outstanding as the mechanic in 'Apprentice Mechanic' and gave a powerful performance as the gangster in 'Gangsta's Mercy'. But undoubtedly Everaldo Creary was a cut above the rest. He was absolutely marvellous in Hurricane Relief", as the hurricane victim; in 'Apprentice Mechanic' as the apprentice; and in 'Party Sound Clash' as the prime minister.
Michael Nicholson directed well. His option to use less stage business and concentrate on the execution of lines proved effective; likewise his decision to engage the audience at intervals. In general, the exits and entrances were effective especially the exit at the end of part one.
Simple and appropriate
Supporting Nicholson are Grub Cooper, music; and Barbara McDaniel, choreography. Special mention must be given to Christopher Gordon for his powerful lyrics in 'Gangsta's Mercy'.
The set, comprising boxes (cubes and rectangular) with the title of the play, Jamaica2Rahtid - Pupalick, painted on the back wall, was simple and appropriate. The top of the flats was nicely painted in the colours of the Jamaican flag. Costumes were also suitable, with the main colours being black, green and gold.
The Gleaner concurs with Cooke, in the programme note, that "Pupalick is a high-energy and fun-filled satire for the whole family", but would like to add, with parental supervision.
