Reviews (Date: )

CINDY-RELISHA arrives Boxing Day

The 6th annual Jambiz Christmas production - Cindy-Relisha and the DJ Prince - has its World Premier this Boxing Day 2002 at the Centerstage Theatre in New Kingston.

This annual theatrical treat has now established itself as a part of the yuletide entertainment offering, in much the same vein as the National Pantomime.

"Cindy-Relisha and the DJ Prince" is a Jamaican Cinderella story which bears more than a passing acquaintance with the classic fairy tale … but crafted in true "yard' style. Packed with the good old Jamaican "belly laugh" humour and laced with hilarious topicalities of contemporary Jamaica, the production takes gracious liberties such as having Cindy appear at a bashment dancehall session rather than the traditional ball. There is also the fitting of the glass slipper as the Prince goes in search of the "mystery girl". Indeed seeing Claudette Pious and Dahlia Harris (the 2 ugly sisters) trying to force a size 5 shoe to fit their not too small feet, is a treat for all to witness.

Not unlike the previous 5 Jambiz Christmas productions, the cast of "Cindy-Relisha and the DJ Prince" reads like a who's who of Jamaican comedic theatre. Led by Glen "Titus" Campbell, the star-studded cast also features other Jambiz "regulars" Claudette "Ms. Tiny" Pious, Christopher "Johnny" Daley, and Dahlia Harris. Also featured are Winston "Bello" Bell (of "Bello and Blacka" fame) and the teenaged acting sensation Donisha Prendergast who impressed all during the better part of 2002 with her stunning stage debut in "Puppy Love".

The talented ensemble is again under the expert directorial guidance of multiple award winning director Trevor Nairne. The musical director is many times JAMI and Actor Boy awardee Jon Williams, with choreography again entrusted to the talented and creative Barbara McDaniel (of Wolmers Dance Troupe and Xymaca fame).

The script is another from the prolific pen of multi-award winning writer Patrick Brown, who has won many accolades including several Actor Boy awards and who recently gained international recognition by copping a prestigious award in the Cynosure Screen Writing competition in Los Angeles. Brown, who is really a civil engineer by profession, loves to remind us that he much "prefers to create people rather than creating buildings". And what an interesting and hilarious set of characters he has created in this truly intriguing Jamaican fairy tale … Cindy-Relisha and the DJ Prince.