The Tribune

JAMES Catalyn and Friends will present its 30th Summer Madness Revue next week.

The performance will take place at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts from September 12 to 15.

Taking a satirical look at “typical, topical and timely topics”, Summer Madness Revue 2012, covers the gamut from politics, the church and public roads, among many other topics.

Veronica Toppin will don her beret as director for the production in its 30th year, assisted by Omar Williams and Rachel Rolle.

“James Catalyn has a unique way of looking at the facts as reported in the press and adding his own comedic touch and insight to the situations. He says from the stage, things that others are thinking about and would like to say, but are somehow intimidated,” said Ms Toppin.

“Everything and anything that has been in the news will be featured in the play. We are taking a satirical look at politics and our new government. We are also taking a satirical look as socialites, those who believe they have arrived but haven’t really. The church will also be a subject and anything that has been in the news in last year,” said actress Rachel Rolle.

Over the years the group has presented the writings of Val Maura, Graham Thordarson, Neil Cleare, Jevon Butler and Dwain Wallace. This year the cast will also be performing skits by Juliet Holmes, Kennedy Storr and Jevon Butler.

“We have looked back of the past 29 shows and it’s truly amazing how after all these years, “ain nuttin’ change”, Mr Catalyn said. “As usual, some corns will be mashed and bunions stepped on, maybe even a few noses will be out of joint, but for the past twenty-nine years I have been trying to get Bahamians to look at themselves and laugh at themselves.”

Cast members for this production include Eric Adderley, Godfrey Basden, Stephanie Braynen, Neil Cleare, Blaize Darling, Chigozie Ijeoma, Antoinette Knowles, Dwain Wallace, Dion Johnson, Leslie Tynes, Juliet Holmes, Matthew Wildgoose, Kennedy Storr, Rachel Rolle, Sophia Smith, Brentwood Thompson, Kimberly Duncombe, Gareth Moss, Jevon Butler, Trevann Thompson and newcomers, Dion Farquharson and Dyson Knight.

Proceeds from the opening night on September 12 will benefit the AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas. The group has supported the Foundation over the past eighteen years.

“We tend to do things to give back to the community. We have donated to other organisations in the past. But this time around we are donating to the AIDS foundation,” Ms Rolle said.

All performances will begin at 8pm. For more information call 393-3728 or visit www.jamescatalynfriends.com.