Friday, January 04, 2008
TYRONE S REID, Observer staff writer

River Bottom: Rising tide

It is really something to say that Patrick Brown's new Jamaican comedy, River Bottom, is quite possibly his best work within the last five years. With all due respect to Cutie and the Freak, Ras Noah and the Hawk and Class of '73, River Bottom - a hilarious and highly entertaining comedy bursting with humour, compassion and pain - may be the most deftly-told and important two-and-a-half hours to his credit.

But, of course, the collaborative effort with director Trevor Nairne, technical crew and stage performers is what contributes most to the show's success.

But, of course, the collaborative effort with director Trevor Nairne, technical crew and stage performers is what contributes most to the show's success.

Oliver Samuels once again leads the cast - this time as Cappo, the spiritual leader, MP and storm whisperer of River Bottom, a poverty-stricken Jamaican district where residents try to make life without running water and electricity. Cappo, with his power, influence and wealth, abuses his "authority" as his uneducated, gullible followers turn to him for everything and hang on to his every word. He has his eyes on Pearle (Camille Davis), the community's young sweetheart, whose mother Miss Cherry (Belinda Reid) is a very progressive-minded woman who wants only the best for her daughter.

Though Cappo (with his Rav 4 obsession, two-storey house with car porch and back verandah) reigns supreme in the district, times are a-changing in River Bottom, especially with the return of Quatty (Chris Hutchinson), a young man who returns to the district after going abroad to seek an education - returning with a fresher take on life and ready to pass on his newfound wisdom to the residents of his childhood district. Happy too, to reunite with his father, Half Q (Glen Campbell). Of course, Cappo hates opposition and sees Quatty as a threat to his leadership. Worst of all, they both share tender feelings for Pearle. With the coming of Hurricane Dawn, residents have to decide whether they trust Cappo's spiritual powers or Quatty's more educated judgement.

Packed with trials and conflicts, a heavy serving of social commentary, wit and humour, River Bottom offers audiences laugh-out-loud-funny entertainment. While Samuels (excellent comedic timing) and Campbell (watch out for his Chiney man impersonation) are in high form here, it is the younger cast members who shine most on stage.

Davis and Hutchinson show remarkable growth as actors and inhabit their characters well - displaying amazing onstage rapport, especially in scenes where they play younger versions of themselves. Much can be said, too, about Reid's performance, who is definitely coming into her own as an actress since her impressive turn in the gospel musical Amen Corner. Rounding out the cast are Actor Boy winner Courtney Wilson as Mass Viv and newcomer Megan Lewis as Mums.

In the meantime, the use of flashback sequences, sound and visual effects and impressive set design enhance the overall appeal of the production and go hand-in-hand with Nairne and Brown's commendable direction. Just one complaint: more comical musical numbers like We Nah Vacuate (well-choreographed by Barbara MacDaniel) would have been welcomed.

Overall, Brown's play about the fictitious people of River Bottom may not speak for everyone, but their voices, their joy and their pain, should certainly speak to something in all of us.

Contact: Rosemarie Williams/Lenford Salmon – 929-1280/383-1033; lenfords@gmail.com