Driving on the Left Side Begins Previews June 25

By: BWW News Desk Jun. 01, 2005

Driving on the Left Side, Amy Merrill's new play that features live original reggae performed by Reggaelution, will open at off-Broadway's TBG Theatre (formerly the Barrow Group) on June 30th after beginning previews on June 25th. Directed by Florante Galvez, the show is presented by Blackbird Productions.

A press article describes the play thus: "Set entirely in Jamaica, Driving on the Left Side is the story of four people each at their own personal and professional crossroads. Serena, a young school teacher from Buffalo, has just been left at the altar by her high school sweetheart. Confused and angry, she impulsively goes on her honeymoon alone, where she meets the charismatic Cowboy. By day, Cowboy is a taxi driver, hustling tips and offering tours, yet by night he's a hot singer in a cool reggae band.

Young, talented and ambitious, Cowboy questions his future – as well as his commitments to his band mates and homeland – after receiving some unexpected news. At the same time, Serena's estranged father, George, flies to Jamaica in a rage of concern, searching for a second chance to be a better father to his only chil <>d. The wants and needs of these three individuals converge upon the country home of Cowboy's mother, Celia, who serves up her recipe of wisdom and common sense while enjoying the disruption of her all-too-quiet life. "

Featured in the cast of Driving on the Left Side are Sharon Tsahai King (For Colored Girls...)as Celia, Jennifer McCabe (Medea in Jerusalem, Rattlestick Theatre) as Serena, Paul Navarra (Picasso at the Lapin Agile) as George and Postell Pringle (Romeo & Juliet, Lucille Lortel Theatre) as Cowboy. The show's design team comprises Carlo Adinolfi (sets), Ali Turns (costumes), Federico Restrepo (lighting) and Andrew Fremont Smith (sound).

Merrill, a member of the Dramatists' Guild, is the author of many plays. The TV War, about a Vietnam veteran's experiences with Agent Orange, premiered at the Lyric Stage in Boston, then toured colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts. Sugar Hill, co-authored with Robert Johnson Jr., premiered at the BCA Theatre in Boston. Merrill's work has also been featured in two Boston Theatre Marathons, most recently in BTM#7. While living in Nashville and researching Cigareets and Whiskey, a play with music about a country singer who runs away from Nashville, Merrill collaborated with acclaimed singer/songwriter Gail Davies, who wrote original music for the play. Recently, Merrill founded Blackbird Productions, Inc., dedicated to new plays and playwrights. In 2004, Blackbird produced the workshop production (Producers' Club, NYC) of Driving on the Left Side and the Boston engagement of I Don't Wanna Play House, Tammy Anderson's one-woman show with country music about growing up poor and Aboriginal in Australia.

The play's live, original reggae music is performed by the band Reggaelution, under the direction of Aljam Smith. These original songs were penned by Mark Shine/Chillup Publishing LLC and members of Reggaelution.

Driving on the Left Side has the following production schedule: Wednesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 4 PM. and 8 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM and 7 PM. However, there is an added 8 PM performance on Tuesday, June 28, the Thursday, June 30th show is at 7:30 PM and there is no 7 PM performance on Sunday, July 3.

Tickets, which are $40, are now available by calling SmartTix.com at 212-868-4444, or in-person at TBG Theatre Box Office (312 W. 36^th St.) 90 minutes before show time. For information and discounts for groups (15+), please call 718-919-5553. For more information, visit www.drivingontheleftside.com.

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