Powerful Performances At Annual Charity Show
Published:Wednesday | June 3, 2015Marcia Rowe
It was a late start for the second of two
shows staged on Sunday for the 15th annual vaudeville, Powerful Women and Men
Perform for Charity. However, the large turnout would soon forget, as
wonderfully delivered songs, creative energetic dances, thought provoking poems
and comedy, colourful drama, and the struts of fashion models, all performed by
professionals, most of whom make their living otherwise.
The theme for the show, produced in
association with the Mustard Seed Communities, and beneficiary of the proceeds,
was 'United We care ... Together We Share'.
The concert began with the singing of the National Anthem. Soon
after, the entertainment commenced with a high-energy dance, titled, 'This is
Africa', performed by the International Youth Fellowship Group. The African
presence was to remain in Georgia Henry's song selection, Pata Pata, and her attire, a fabulous ethnic dress. She
not only looked the part, but sounded it too. Alas, the homage to the
motherland ended with MC Nadean Rawlins, who made her entrance in a Shades of
Africa-designed dress. Her dress was supported by an entertaining ice-breaking
opening monologue.
Rawlins also joined, with Joy Clark, to deliver a creative
interpretation of Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman.
And whereas it seemed as if it was the end of the African theme, poetry's
existence was extended with a recitation from Kevin Wallen, whose act was
sandwiched between two musical items - Charmaine Limonius' impersonation of
Dolly Parton, including her blonde hair and Doraine Samuels singing the blues
song, Second Hand Rose.
The musical performances dominated the programme. Some came in
the form of tributes. Sil Bell and Michael Powell paid tribute to Percy Sledge,
and Orville 'Bagga' Case and Linroy Edwards highlighted John Holt's musical
mastery with songs such as, My Name is Doctor Love.
But the winning tribute came from Ashley Martin who dedicated her act to former
Prime Minister P. J. Patterson.
Wearing a black shimmering gown, the former lead singer for
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires gave a powerful performance of the song Simply the Best. On her conclusion, the former P.M.,
who was in attendance, showed his appreciation with a standing ovation.
Patterson shared his thoughts on the show with The
Gleaner.
"It's a wonderful show, a combination of
talent, most of which is voluntary by nature, but excellent in quality. And
it's very good that so many artistes have come together to make this show so
successful and to contribute to a very worthy cause. It was very
enjoyable," he said.
It was also a fine performance from Roy Andeson and Robbie
Robinson with their '60's medley; The Fantastic Four and
the Calypso Diva's. But it was Rosemarie Lee who had the
house applauding the loudest with her rendition of, And I'm Telling You, from the movie, Dream Girls.
Her act was made more exciting as she was
singing to a partner, role played by state minister in the Ministry of Tourism
and Entertainment, Damion Crawford. The minister however, must remember to
always share with his audience, as he did in the fashion show when he not only
wore the suit well, but showed off the green tie with matching handkerchief
that Patterson described as "a good touch" (To the show).
Comedic acts from Vernon Derby, Cordel Green
and Michael Abrahams, were just as effective, as all three were able to
generate much laughter with their well-written-and-delivered satires. Derby
used the news cast as the background for his jokes. Green took to the pulpit at
Bling Church, and Abrahams delivered in songs and speech. The subjects of their
humour varied - from politicians, health and social issues, as well as the
musical artistes and relationships.
Also included on the programme, was the dramatic piece, Welcome to Jamaica, (written and directed by Aston
Cooke), a rather innovative fashion show, as well as a dance from Carol Francis
and Friends.
Sometime later, when the curtains of the Karl
Hendrickson Auditorium came down, the laughter, sing-a-long moments, and the
applause, told the tale of another successful and enjoyable performance from
the cast of Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity.
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