GUEST COMMENTARY: ADRIAN ARCHER
NASSAU, Bahamas, January 1, 2024 — It seems like a generation ago when I, in my old job as a tourism executive, accompanied travel agents, writers and other tourism promoters to the Le Cabret Theatre on Paradise Island, where bare-breasted women with a sprinkle of Bahamian faces represented what was a “Bahamian Review.”
It was a proud moment for me! Tibor Rubis is replaced by Fred Ferguson and the likes of Erin McKinney, Ricardo Christie, Vernal Adderley; Sammi Star replaced unknown names and faces on the stage. So many of the cast members of “Junkanoo In Paradise” are known to me…so many grew up with me…so many I grew up! What a time! It was truly a “Nunc Dimittis” moment for which I am so thankful to see.
While my mouth is still on the floor, let me say that now we (Bahamians) cannot complain that we don’t have the ability to “own”: these aspects of our tourism industry. There are enough Bahamians in New Providence alone to have this theatre sold out each and every night of its showing….and in doing so we show to the “hotels that be” that we support something so worthy that they have little choice but to put us on the menu. If you haven’t gone to see it GO – it’s worth the $50.00 / $25.00 cost (believe me). It lasts only an hour and will make you one PROUD Bahamian.
My sincere congratulations to the Roots Junkanoo Organization; my brother Fred and Erin and Patrice and Sami and Ricardo; ALL the cast (including my niece, nephew and cousin) – you have DONE well. I am going to see it as often as I can and urge you all to do so, You won’t regret it. Of course, I took some photos (they said no flash sooooo) – but the pictures only tell you a quarter of such a great production.
By the way. I am going back tomorrow (Sunay at 5:00 PM) so before you go to Watchnight Service (those of you who still go) come WATCH with me. I ga be the one in ROW A seat 26. Kentario McKenzie, Erin Tenniel, Fred Ferguson, Patrice Ferguson, Ricardo Christie, Juan Pratt Jr.., Valene E. Rolle, Nicole Musgrove-McIntosh, Candi Rigby, Toni Rigby, Gabriel Decius, Giavanna Knowles, Gregory GC Archer, Jonathan Sturrup, @Vernal Adderley, VB Adderley
EDITOR’S NOTE: Adrian Archer posted this on Saturday, December 30, so if did not accept his invitation and joined him at the at the 5:00 PM performance on Sunday, “Junkanoo In Paradise” will be at the Le Cabret Theatre through March and return for three months during the summer.
