Members of Cayman’s comedy fraternity will pay tribute to cultural icon Dave Martins, who died 18 Aug. at age 90, with a special edition of ‘Wha Happening’ to be held starting 27 Sept.
The comedy revue, which is in its second year and born out of the legacy of the perennial local favourite ‘Rundown’, is directed by actor and comedian Matt Brown with support by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
Growing up watching Martins on stage, with his “signature mannerisms, unique voice, and easygoing style”, left an enduring impression on Brown.
“Dave created lasting memories for me, and while his unique style can’t be replicated, ‘Wha Happening’ will pay special tribute to the founder of ‘Rundown’, where we found our initial inspiration,” Brown, who also wrote and produced the show, told the Cayman Compass.
He said he’s “grateful to carry on the cultural legacy,” and hopes ‘Wha Happening’ “upholds the same standard”.
Beyond his musical legacy as a singer, songwriter, and leader of the renowned band The Tradewinds, Martins played an instrumental role in raising the next generation of Caymanian performers by creating the satirical revue ‘Rundown’; producing Cayman’s Batabano carnival and the national arts festival Cayfest; and serving as CNCF chairman, Pirates Week executive director, and president of the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association.
The tribute show, which is scheduled for weekends from 27 Sept. to 13 Oct. at Harquail Theatre, “will bring even more laughs with its fast-paced mix parodies and sketches that hilariously explore modern life in Cayman,” according to its production notes.
Top local news stories “will be remixed and spun into hyperrealism and exaggerated, so it is satire but satire on steroids. We’ll explore [Cayman’s] traffic, a preview of what is to come in the next political debate,” Brown said.
The lineup for the show will feature prominent names from the local entertainment and comedy industry, including Leroy Holness and Michael McLaughlin.
“Comedy is a good way to highlight topics that need attention … the hard truths in our community but doing it in a way that doesn’t offend anyone,” Brown said. “It’s touching on [subjects] that may not be discussed as it should be.”
He added, “We set the bar last year pretty high with the reviews from the audience, so we’re hoping to exceed their expectations.”
The show contains adult content, so parental discretion is advised.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at $25 for adults, $15 for children (under 12) and seniors. At the door, tickets will be $30 for adults and $15 for children and seniors. Tickets are on sale at the TicketsPlus website. Visit the CNCF website for more information.
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