Ebuzz News
T&T’s Got Theatre and It’s Good! Best Little WhoreHouse in Guapo, Sensational.
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.
Ebuzz News
“We Have so Much to Offer the World.” Shurwayne’s Bringing The Authentic Tobago to Carnival.
The most anticipated period on Tobago’s annual event calendar is just about ready to start and one of the island’s most successful entertainers is leading the charge, delivering an event on Thursday, October 29th that will prove truly memorable. Shurwayne Winchester is Tobago’s golden boy. He has taken the Tobago Carnival product personally, believing it’s a good tool to market the island, if truly executed with love and sustainability in mind.
Shurwayne emerged on the Soca scene over 20 years ago and has not slowed down. He has cemented his name in the Caribbean entertainment landscape over many years and he has represented Tobago with immense pride. Despite having moved to Trinidad, the two-time Road March champion remains deeply connected to his home and is set to host Tobago Love The Xperience in honor of that appreciation. “Together with my friend and old Tobago classmate, Lester Duncan, we’re using this event to show the world what Tobago is truly about. For me, it’s about giving back to the place that I came from. There is no prouder moment than being able to do something like this on your home soil. We wanted to offer those visiting the island, something more than the décor and the lights and music,” said the artiste, noting that this year’s theme for Tobago Love The Xperience is The Harvest. “We’re doing something that’s built around the heritage of Tobago. As somebody who grew up here it has always been important for me to do this – to give the foreigners a chance to see the real Tobago, to give them a chance to fall in love with Tobago – the things that they see and the feeling they get when they experience what we have to share.”
Shurwayne believes the events happening at Carnival should embody the island’s underlying energy and attributes. “When they come here for Carnival, what they experience should make them want to return even outside of the Carnival season,” he said.
Tobago Love The Xperience takes place at the Signal Hill Secondary School from 6pm on Thursday. “We want our people to fall in love with our island too. It’s important for us to love where we come from,” said the entertainer. “This event is about heritage and culture. It’s about the history of Tobago. When people enter the venue they will see and feel exactly what a Tobago Harvest is like even as we fete and celebrate the Carnival season,” he said.
An artiste, promoter and ambassador, Shurwayne Winchester’s undying commitment to preserving what’s good about his nation, is commendable. He was one of the artistes who performed most recently at the funeral service held for the late, great Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow. “We have so much to offer the world and there are men and women who showed us how to do it with class and dignity. They took what we have and shared it well with the rest of the world. Men like Sparrow and Aunty Rose represented in a particular way for T&T and I just think it’s a fundamental part of being a patriot – someone who puts country before anything else.”
Music News
Stepping Into Her Own, Jalessa Says It’s Time for ‘Freedom.’
For 16-year-old rising star, Jalessa Lazarus, this month has been bitter sweet. The teenager is set to release her new single, ‘Freedom,’ but even as she delivers musically, she is reminded of her grandmother who passed away in May this year, after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. “She would always tell me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” said the youngster as she reminisced on the encouragement, she often received from her family matriarch.
Jalessa Lazarus is a talented, young entertainer in the Soca space, and even as her present focus is on the 2027 CXC examinations, her love for music abounds, and so she is still releasing the Teddy Rhymes penned, ‘Freedom,’ with hope of maintaining her standing in the music space in 2027. “This song is all about expressing yourself – encouraging enjoyment and appreciation for the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. I want people to really get to know what we here in T&T are all about – all that we have and all that we can share with the world,” said the artiste.
The song was produced by Millbeatz Music – a familiar space for the entertainer, as she is also being taught to play the piano and guitar under the Millbeatz Entertainment umbrella – under the tutelage of Kevin Millien. “I’m trying my very best to do both music and school. CXC is serious. I have a time-table that helps me with balancing both my studies and music,” she explained. Jalessa is very aware of the importance of a good education. She has a good head on her shoulders, along with parents who keep her grounded, and guide her every step of the way. “I’m doing Maths, English Language, IT, Social Studies, Principles of Business and Office Administration,” she said, assuring that she will release more music upon the completion of her exams. “I want to be an inspiration to other young entertainers coming behind me. I also want to travel – take my music around the world,” she expressed, adding that she has dreams of stepping into the RnB arena one day – her inspiration being Adele.
A proud student of the artform, under the tutelage of artistes like Preedy, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts and Voice, Jalessa says she loves Soca music and thinks colourful language has no place in the genre. It’s a topic that is fast becoming a cause for concern according to some, this as more artistes experiment with the inclusion of expletives in their music. “I do not support colourful language in Soca. It’s unnecessary and I don’t think it should be used in our music – music that we are sharing with the world,” said the youngster. “I think Soca is a different type of music, from anything else. Music is generally a vibe. It’s therapy for people – our music is all about dancing, freeing up, dressing up in costumes and being happy; it’s happy music,” she added.
Her groovy soca single, ‘Freedom,’ a true expression of her personality and what she wants the world to know about the land of her birth, Jalessa Lazarus continues to reach for the stars, all while drawing awareness to serious issues. “I want to take the time to extend hope and prayers to anyone who’s dealing with any type of cancer this month and everyday onward. God is always with you,” she said.
Rooted in her culture and diligently focused on her future, Lazarus plans on releasing an EP and says even though she will sit out competitions in 2027, she will return after the completion of her CXC exams. Her mother, Phylesha meanwhile expressed immense pride in her daughter’s commitment and took a moment to thank Teddy Rhymes for his support and encouragement. “I don’t think she will be going back into junior competitions but we are looking beyond exams and I want to especially thank Teddy for believing in Jalessa and encouraging her.”
For more on Jalessa Lazarus, follow her on her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
