Rundown Time Again!

It’s Rundown time again! Cayman’s most hilarious comedy show is back for its 27th season with its usual disclaimer “If You Don’t Laugh, Sue Me”. However, neither the performers or the organisers – Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) – should be in any danger of legal action because attendees are always guaranteed to laugh out loud at this annual revue which is a mixture of comedy, satire and songs about living life in Cayman told through a collection of skits, monologues and music.Created by then long-time resident Dave Martins in 1991, Rundown is now embedded in the cultural psyche of the Cayman public. People look forward to a mention in the show and count it an honour to be featured in Rundown. When the show first started in 1992, it was described as “one step closer to defining Caymanian theatre” by Henry Muttoo CNCF Artistic Director and designer and director of Rundown 2019 since its initial year, and the comedy’s writer since 2009.

“Rundown lasting for over 25 years is a testament to the incredible hard work of all those who have been involved with the production since day one, as well as the impact the show has had on Cayman’s culture throughout the years. With so many entertainment options readily available these days, to have the show stand the test of time and be so successful is quite special. We must be doing something right,” says Muttoo.

Muttoo added that the best way to describe Rundown to someone who has never experienced it is that it depicts people from many different countries “shooting the breeze” alongside “born and bred” Caymanians. He says the show looks at Cayman from a hilariously muddled yet cohesive viewpoint and touches on many of the issues and news stories the islands have experienced over the last year.

This year’s edition will include many familiar faces, some who are returning to the stage after a break, as well as some newcomers to the mix.

Leroy Holness is a veteran of the Cayman stage, going back to the days of the Inn Theatre and Cayman National Theatre Company. While he has played in several productions and received much praise for his acting, it is as the indefatigable and always forward-looking Rasta ‘Ital’ in Rundown where he has left his indelible creative stamp in the hearts of the Cayman theatre public. Leroy is the last remaining active member of the original 1992 Rundown cast.

Rundown fans and followers will be delighted to see the return of Quincy Brown to the show’s family. Quincy was born on Cayman Brac and started singing solo in church at age six and performing Louise Bennett pieces at age 12 on the Harquail Theatre stage for National Children’s Festival of the Arts (NCFA). He has won many awards in the performing arts over the years in theatre, drama, speech and singing, and in 2017 marked his 25th anniversary on stage.

A CARIMAC trained radio broadcaster, he has worked for Radio Cayman, Vibe 98.9FM and Rooster 101.9FM as an announcer, DJ and News Reporter. This is Quincy's self-proclaimed "COME BACK" to the Rundown production after seven years of absence.

Lesley-Ann Bernard is a teacher at John Gray High School. She is also a professional actress who has been involved in many productions in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. She likes to think of herself as a true "theatre lover" who especially enjoys being on stage. Lesley will be sharing her melodious singing voice with audiences again this year.

Priscilla Pouchie is no stranger to the performing arts. She has been reciting, singing and dancing since elementary school and has graced the stage of the Harquail countless times. Priscilla has also had the pleasure of representing her homeland in performances across the globe, and in 2014 she proudly received the CNCF's Bronze Award for Creativity in the Arts at the National Arts & Culture Awards. She is delighted to once again entertain the Cayman public and reconnect with her second family in Rundown 2019.

George Jones is a founding member and keyboard player of top Barbadian soca band Square One, which has become one of the Caribbean's most travelled, awarded and highly successful bands. From 2013 until present he has produced arranged and performed every Rundown soundtrack. In 2015, he made his onstage debut as Musical Director and actor. George produced the soundtrack in 2016 but had to take a break from the stage to recover from a major illness. The Rundown cast was thrilled to welcome him back to stage for 2017 and 2018. He continues in his role as musical director, arranger and ‘one man band’ for Rundown 2019.

Giselle Webb can justifiably now call herself a true “Rundown Idiot”, having performed in four editions of the show. She has been a long-standing senior member of Dance Unlimited and although she does not perform as often as she would like, she still is considered one of Cayman’s most accomplished dancers. Giselle recently added a beautiful daughter, Gia, to the Caymanian population. With the amount of time Gia has spent on the Rundown set who knows how long it will be before she is ready for a role herself. Look out Cayman!

Rachel Gepolla studied Business Management at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas and worked for 10 years as a sales assistant before becoming a nanny/housekeeper wearing multi-coloured hats, some which fit, and others which don't! Rachel is a friendly ‘Mama Goose’ with a strong work ethic and positive attitude who loves reading and listening to mellow and country music. She says gardening is her stress reliever and eating is her favourite past-time while doing karaoke with friends.

Troy Rodgers has been performing for over 15 years. He was a recipient of Jamaica’s Prime Minister’s Youth Award for the Arts & Culture in 2010, as well as the Charles Hyatt Award for Best Actor (Comedy). He joined the cast of Rundown, driven by a passion for the performing arts. He is also a member of the Cayman Islands Folk Singers.

Evana Martinez has been performing from the tender age of five, when she knew her passion was the performing arts. As a young girl she performed in church choirs, school dances, a George Town quadrille group and performed various excerpts from theatre plays at the Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts. She has performed on international stages in places such as Las Vegas, Texas, Birmingham, Alabama and Scotland, and has been a storyteller at “Gimistory”. Evana also sang during a few of the past “Rundown” shows where her musical talent was put to use. After a five-year break, she is honoured to be a part of Rundown again.

Josefa Martinez-Shims has been performing for over 25 years. In 2000 Josefa was crowned the first Miss Cayfest. In 2001 she entered the Miss Teen pageant and won "Best Talent" for playing pan and reciting a monologue, and at her graduation from high school, she won the CNCF award. She is no stranger to comedy and appeared in Rundown for the first time in 2007. She has represented the Cayman Islands internationally in Jamaica, New York and Canada. Her most recent performing credit was a co-actor role in a Cayman short film called "The Elevator Ride". She has also starred in two other short films abroad. Josefa is excited to perform on stage with her fellow cast members after a short break of three years.

Sixteen-year old Aiden Watler has a love for theatre and is excited about being invited to be part of the Rundown cast again this year. He plays multiple instruments and loves to make people laugh with his ability to portray many different characters. He was first introduced to the Cayman National Cultural Foundation at age six when Rita Estevanovich invited winners of the National Children’s Festival of the Arts Gold award to the youth Gimistory night.

Jerrin Carter is a 26-year old aspiring actor. He has performed in a few comedy skits before and this past August he made his full feature acting debut during CARIFESTA XIV in Dr Frank McField’s “Downside Up”. Bitten by the acting bug, he will make his Rundown debut this year.

Acting in local theatre since high school, Pamela Norton is a character within herself. Her friends and family just don’t know what to expect out of her animated, sunshiny, personality. New to the Rundown stage but part of the Cayman community for 15 years, you may recognise her voice on Big Fish 95.5 radio. She says she loves being a part of the Rundown team the way she loves cooked food.

This year’s show will take place at the Harquail Theatre over three weekends in November. Opening night is Thursday, 14 November at 8pm and the other performances will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for three weekends.

• November 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 8:00 pm

• November 17, 24 and December 1 at 6:00 pm

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under and seniors 65+ (ID required). They can be purchased at Health Care Pharmacy (Grand Harbour), Foster’s (Airport & Camana Bay) Funky Tangs and the Harquail Theatre (949-5477), or online at www.eventpro.ky.

To reserve tickets, or for more information on Rundown, email cncf@artscayman.org, call 949.5477 or check out the CNCF’s official Facebook page @caymanculture.