When asked why Oliver Samuels will break the decades old tradition from the days of Pantomime to open a show on Boxing Day in downtown Kingston and instead, open a play in Miramar and Coral Springs, Michael Dawson, CEO of the local Promoters, Whirlwind, could only answer after a long smile that turned into a laugh.
Dawson said, “This is big, this is really huge for us; but honestly as much as we would like to take credit at Whirlwind, it is the South Florida fans who earned it. Artistes usually reward their most loyal fans and after the massive sell out of all South Florida shows last year and years prior; Oliver is giving us a treat – yes, for one Weekend, South Florida will be the epicenter of Caribbean theater as we host a World Premiere of a play with the great Oliver Samuels.”
That weekend happens to be only two weeks away as Oliver Samuels’ 6th annual Labor Day weekend show has cemented itself unrivaled as the Premier Caribbean family event on Labor Day weekend in South Florida.
Big demand
The Promoters are quick to admit that they would like to do more shows for a World Premier but explained that South Florida has to be mindful of the production company’s schedule. “They are currently in Grenada, they play US Virgin Islands the week before us, then Cayman, St.Kitts, Atlanta with Central Florida in between all of that; so we have to be thankful that we secured 3 shows over the holiday weekend.
Improved on-line ticketing availability
It was great last year to see the kind of response to the historical reunion of Oliver and Volier “Maffy” Johnson. Those who never secured a ticket before the event got turned back and those traveling from as far as Naples were in tears. As a result, this year, the Company has beefed up their on-line ticketing capabilities at Jamaicanshoppingclub.com, have extended their premium seating to accommodate more of those wanting an up close and personal feel with Mr. Samuels and and have added ushers and more staff to ensure comfortable and speedy seating in what is expected to be another sold out Labor Day Weekend for Oliver Samuels.
For more information, call the ticket hotline at (954) 534-4852. There is only one show at the Everglades High School in Miramar on Saturday September 1st at 8pm and 2 shows on Sunday September 2nd at the Coral Springs High School at 5pm and 8pm.
