Lakewood Theatre Company to Present JAMAICA, 2/19-20

Lakewood Theatre Company presents Jamaica part of the Lost Treasures Collection Series February 19 & 20, 2016 The Lost Treasures Collection, a series of rarely performed musical gems, is back for a sixth season at Lakewood Theatre Company. This year, musicals in the series reflect the theme "Passport to Romance." Each musical is presented in a concert/cabaret style. The second offering of the series, Jamaica will have only three performances, Friday, February 19 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Performances are on Lakewood's Side Door stage at Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The 2015-16 series sponsor is Jaye W. Taylor, Rob Le Chevallier and Buckley Law P.C.

Each show in the Lost Treasures Series is presented script-in-hand, with minimal staging. No sets, no props (free from the usual trappings of a fully staged production). Food and beverages are available for purchase before and during the show.

In 2013, PAMTA (Portland Area Musical Theatre Awards) presented Lakewood Theatre Company with a special award celebrating the origination of this series and the curatorial care that director Ron Daum has brought to this series of musical plays.

Jamaica features music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, and book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy. Lakewood's production is directed by Ron Daum. Musical direction is by Beth Noelle and the producers are Kay Vega and Steve Knox. The title sponsor is is Jaye W. Taylor, Rob Le Chevallier and Buckley Law P.C.

The Story: On a tropical island paradise off Jamaica's coast, a poor handsome fisherman, Koli (Joey Côté), loves the beautiful Savannah (Essie Canty Bertain). But Savannah spends her hours dreaming of living the high life in New York. When Joe Nashua (Seth Rue), a fast-talking New York businessman, arrives to take over the island with plans for big money and fast growth, she is swept up in his promises of fame and fortune. Into the mix enters the island's conjuror, Grandma Obeah (Josie Seid), who weaves her spell and in the swirl of magic, music and calypso, true love is discovered where least expected.

Others in the cast include Carmen Payne, Yohannes Murphy, Eric Asawaga, Matthew Freitas, and Kurleen Nowickas. Musicians include Beth Noelle on piano, Tyrene Bada on keyboard, and Christopher Johnedis on percussion.

Harold Arlen's music parodies the popular form of Calypso, which was in vogue in the 1950s, largely as a result of the popularity of Harry Belafonte, for whom the musical was originally written. Belafonte withdrew from the production due to illness, and the musical was then tailored around the talents of Lena Horne who starred in the role of Savannah.

Ticket prices are $20 for all seats. Contact the Lakewood Theatre Box Office at (503) 635-3901 or order online at www.lakewood-center.org

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