No one rushes off to the west coast with the dreams of a theatre career. Theatre is the absolute redheaded stepchild in this TV and film town. For those theatre nuts living in L.A., you have to really search out good shows if you are into live performances. So I was very curious when my east coast friend, Suzette, suggested a “must see” show at the Santa Monica Playhouse.
"Jamaica, Farewell" is a one-woman play based on Debra Ehrhardt’s true story of life in Jamaica and her unorthodox journey to America. Ehrhardt, an actor and writer, created the show when she found her acting career stalled and she knew she had a story to tell.
I was immediately fascinated with this memoir -in front of floodlights- because I, too, am from the “blue emerald of the Caribbean,” but was whisked away to America before I outgrew the place like clearly Debra had.
The play opens on a seven-year-old, Yankee Doodle Dandy-loving Debbie at her third grade talent show. She loves everything American and wants everyone to know it. She can’t quite explain her fascination with the country, with malls “as big as Jamaica,” but she knows she must get there.
By the time Debbie graduates from high school, she is hell-bent on securing a visa and making it off the island by hook or by crook. But stuck in a dead-end job and surrounded by a country being consumed by violence and political upheaval, she is not sure how she is going to fulfill her lifelong dream of starting over in the land of "amber waves of grain." Then a chance encounter with a “handsome and well-connected American” puts her hastily thrown together plans in motion and Debbie using every survival instinct to make it through a night she would never forget.
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During a high energy and bittersweet 90 minutes, Ehrhardt paraded before us an impressive roster of characters that populates this once-in-a-life adventure. A perpetually drunk father, a pious mother, a ganja smokin’ 90-year-old, and a big butt Brothel owner are just a few of the folks woven effortlessly through a tale of hope, wit, and amazing luck.
Jamaica, Farewell, is energetic and authentically funny. Apart from bring an exceptional storyteller, Ehrhardt’s timing is impeccable and performance fearless. She wrings every ounce of suspense out of her off-the-wall tale and leaves her audience absolutely exhausted (and grateful) by the time she gets on that plane. Her use of her lithe physical form rivals any multi-million-dollar movie special effects and with it she delivers a fine study on perseverance, destiny, and finding where you truly belong.
Jamaica, Farewell enjoyed a successful Off Broadway run and has toured the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom. The show will appear next at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Ms. Ehrhardt, a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, is currently adapting the show for the big screen.
Ex-UK TV director Francis Megahy directed Jamaica, Farewell. Sound design was provided by composer (and Ehrhardt’s son) Danny Ehrhardt.
Awesome! I really enjoyed this show and am glad you enjoyed it as well. I would add that your review is well written but isn't that what you do - write well?
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