Entertainment

From ‘Artboy’ to ‘Playwriter’; “An Amazing Grace” to premier Father’s Day

MIAMI GARDENS – After weeks of rigorous rehearsals, the cast and production team of An Amazing Grace are in the final stages of preparation, as they get ready for the premier on Father’s Day, June 15, at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

Written by well-known graphic artist, Roy “Artboy” Martin, An Amazing Grace is his first attempt at playwriting. Sources close to the production are singing praises to the effort and promise an excellent piece of theatre.

Artboy An Amazing Grace
Johnny (Chris Daley) tries to impress Sister Grace (Chanies Brady) and gets her attention by showing off his talent as a singer.

Chris Daley Directorial Debut

Popular Jamaican actor/comedian Chris “Johnny” Daley is making his directorial debut in the play. Daley is performing double duty as director and one of the lead characters. Daley came to prominence in the 80s and 90s television series “Lime Tree Lane” as Little Johnny. His memorable performances in ‘Yard ’99”, “Dis Ting”, “Oliver and the Gene”, “Cindy Relisha and the DJ Prince”, the smash hit, “Jamaica 2 Rahtid”, and more recently “Comedy Buss” television series has made him one of Jamaica’s most outstanding young talents.

Gary “Sweetness” Clarke Plays Pastor Brown

There is quite a buzz on the streets as word circulates about the performance of hip dancehall selector Gary “Sweetness” Clarke as the dramatic and flamboyant Pastor Brown. Many are surprised to hear that “Sweetness” will play the role that takes him from the dancehall to the church. Clarke is expected to impress his fans in his new role as actor, a role he has taken very seriously and has worked hard to perfect. His supporters are saying they must witness his first theatrical appearance and will be there in numbers.

A Story About “Johnny”

An Amazing Grace is the volatile story of Johnny, played by Chris Daley. He is an aspiring young reggae singer with dreams of “hitting” big time. Johnny’s dreams always seem to elude him as he struggles to let go of his past criminal lifestyle with bad man “Dredie”, played by Andrew Clarke and “Puddy”, played by Sammy Question, who thinks Johnny would serve them better if he sticks with their robbery schemes. Queenie, played by Ann “Charm” McKenzie, Johnny’s old or current girlfriend, depending on who you ask, hates the fact that he still hangs out with this motley crew, they act as a distraction to Johnny’s dancehall dreams and her own wishes of accompanying him on stage as Dancehall Queen and his first lady off stage.

Queenie’s fantasies seem threatened when Johnny’s eyes catches the smile of church sister Grace, played by Chanise Brady, who thinks his talent needs to be used as an instrument of the Lord. God’s plan, the devil’s diversion and Queenie’s dreams unfold in this dramatic and exciting play filled with humor and social commentary. Cameo audio appearances are made by colorful South Florida party promoter “Screechie Bop” and radio personality Winston Barnes.


Pastor Brown (Gary “Sweetness” Clarke) and Sister Grace (Chanise Brady) are held at gunpoint by Dredie (Andrew Clarke) in a dramatic scene from An Amazing Grace.
 

Tickets for the Father’s Day premier are on sale at selected Caribbean outlets. An Amazing Grace is sponsored by Grace Foods, Western Union and Cooyah Wear. The play is produced by Jamaica Awareness and Riddims Marketing.

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