The Rundown curtain may have been some six months late going up, but, judging by last Thursday’s production, it was certainly worth the wait.
Starting promptly at 8pm, there was a buzz of excitement as the actors took to the stage at the newly-refurbished Harquail Theatre.
Garnering ample laughs, the annual comedy, produced by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, once again took a satirical look at the past year in Cayman.
On the agenda? The immigration’s automated telephone system, the planning department, the infamous rollover policy, multicultural mix-ups and politicians, to name just a few.
The 12-strong cast, which included a mix of veteran Rundown thespians and new members, trod the boards with gusto in a slick, fast-paced performance, which left the audience rolling in the aisles. Perhaps it was being back on the Harquail stage after a three-year hiatus which gave the production renewed vigour. Whatever the reason, the cast really sunk their teeth into their respective characters, that judging by the raucous laughter, was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
With 22 skits, each around five minutes long, and peppered with musical interludes throughout, the show – featuring strong local accents – kept its quick pace from beginning to end.
There were a few skits that particularly stealed the limelight. ‘The Preacher’, performed by Leroy Holness was a fun energetic piece which had the audience joining in. ‘Domino Shed’, starring Michael McLaughlin, Olivia Scott and Rita Estevanovich, poked fun at the planning department and an unscrupulous plumber gaining plenty of laughs from theatregoers.
Other noteworthy skits included ‘Roll It Gal’, ‘The Cuban’, ‘Election Interview’ and ‘(H)air Inna Mi Tire’.
Starring Rundown creator Dave Martins, Brian Braggs, Divine Bush, Alan Ebanks, Rita Estevanovich, Leroy Holness, Josefa E. Martinez, Michael McLaughlin, Fritz McPherson, Priscilla Pouchie, Olivia Scott and Evelyn Walsh, the production was kept to two hours, with a short 15-mintue interval.
Staged in the usual setting of a typical backyard, the colourful set included a genuine catboat, loaned by the Cayman Islands Catboat Club, giving the set a truly authentic feel.
Now in its 15th year, the light-hearted show, directed and designed by CNCF Artistic Director Henry Muttoo, has become a mainstay on the yearly entertainment calendar, and once again, it didn’t disappoint, packing ample laughs.
Rundown continues tonight, Saturday and Sunday. Show time is at 8pm, Sundays at 6pm. Tickets are $15, students $8. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Funky Tangs. Group rates are available. Call the box office on 959-5477.
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