In the wake of news on Wednesday, October 21st, that Caypsonian, Brother Valentino has passed away, Calypso Queen, Terri Lyons has expressed deep sadness, saying she feels an immense sense of loss for the Artform and for her country, Trinidad and Tobago.

Brother Valentino was 85 years old. He was born in Grenada but moved to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 5. His repertoire of Calypso classics included, ‘Life Is A Stage,’ ‘Barking Dogs’ and ‘Birds That Fly.’

Lyons, in a statement issued said, as a two-time Calypso Monarch who carries the profound honor of making history within the Calypso arena, she is deeply aware of the weight the title holds. “The National Calypso Monarch represents the global body of our sacred artform – a legacy built entirely on the backs of the many soldiers, warriors, and pioneers who laid the foundation for my generation to stand on,”she said. The ‘Obeah’ singer said, “It feels as though we are losing our icons right before our very eyes, watching the living library of our heritage depart.”

Extending her condolences to Brother Valentino’s family, close friends and the entire Calypso fraternity, Lyons added, “We have lost another true giant of the Artform. While we mourn here on earth, we take comfort in knowing he has peacefully transitioned, earned his wings, and joined the great calypso tent in the sky. May his music, his legacy, and his spirit live on forever through us. Rest in eternal peace.”

The opening weekend was sold out and deservedly so. Now, with Queen’s Hall the next big weekend on October 30th and 31st, The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo is likely to pull another enthusiastic crowd in T&T. Penelope Spencer at the helm, CPR Productions has served up an adaptation of the original, ‘The Best Little WhoreHouse in Texas,’ that’s truly Trinbagonian, all while diving head first into issues of social class and perception, infidelity, education, business and trust.

The original adaptation of The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo, was produced by the late, Gregory Singh of Funny Farms Productions. Spencer said she wanted to do something to keep his legacy alive and so she chose this production – the first production he had done, and one that had been very successful.

Set in the country town of Guapo, the T&T adaptation takes the audience on a ride alongside four women, Frances- played by Penelope Spencer, Carmen -the brothel’s owner played by Cecelia Salazar and two other ladies of the night, Serran Clarke as Anita and Shevonne Metivier as Natalie. Supporting actors, Ro’dey Cumberbatch and Rachel Bascombe play Bob and Clara respectively.

The individual characters of this play bring more than just humor to their audience, as they subtly tackle necessary social issues that include social class and the perception held of the educated, by those who hold lower income jobs in society. The play’s writing style is uniquely Trinbagonian, with subtle reference even being made to T&T’s former Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley and present Minister of National Security, Roger Alexander. The role of Natalie, played by Shevonne Metivier, introduces the audience to the concept of an ‘educated prostitute,’ since this particular character had never before been involved in the trade, before being forced to look for money to take care of herself. “Educated girls have big ideas,” was the sentiment expressed by Frances, played by Spencer, to the brothel’s owner, Carmen, when she welcomed her on board as one of the new girls at Carmen’s House.

The realities of aging in such a profession is also a highlight. Frances, the eldest in the group, is noticeably agitated by the introduction of the younger, Natalie who immediately becomes a favorite among the clients. Overall, the production seamlessly interweaves issues faced, though sometimes comically addressed, into a tight, humorous play that is already getting rave reviews. “Seeing the fruits of our labour is absolutely phenomenal,” said Spencer after the first show on October 3rd. “Our society needs stories, we need relaxation that can bring joy sometimes,” said Spencer when asked about the role theatre plays in T&T’s society. “Theatre can bring that opening of the mind – understanding people; People see these women on the street and they assume the worst, but theatre educates, it entertains, and it opens up your mind. That’s why theatre is important,” she said.

Playing the role of a hired handyman at Carmen’s House, Ro’dey Cumberbatch who plays Bob, told Ebuzztt, theatre is important. “It gives space to speak on difficult topics too, and one thing we appreciate with Penelope and her directing and writing is that she always includes serious topics in her plays – things that affect society.”

The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo will play at Queen’s Hall next, for two nights, October 30th and 31st. Excitedly, the cast looks forward to once again delivering their production to new audiences. “You get to see a different side. A lot of the times, people see these women as victims. In this play we are not the victims. We are in charge of our lives, we run de ting,” said Salazar, as she expressed her appreciation for the production. “These women are strong and they are in charge of their bodies and how they use them, and no man can tell them anything.”

To purchase tickets for The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo, click here.