David Tulloch play revived to local fans’ delight
The second time around proved just as sweet at this weekend’s David Tulloch revival of his play “Prayer Partner,” performed at the Miramar High School Theater and the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, presented by Sunshine Theater.
The stage was full of Jamaica’s theater elite – an ever hilarious crew of writer/director/actor David Tulloch, Michael “Stringbeans” Nicolson, Chris McFarlane, Deon Silvera and ingénue Allison McLean. The cast put in some phenomenal performance for this romantic comedy revival. Originally performed in 2005, “Prayer Partner” tells the story of Danielle (McLean), who is pursued by her fiancé Giovanni (McFarlane) and longtime friend Peter (Tulloch). After finding out Giovanni is a low down cheater, she seeks a fresh start in a prayer partner program. To woo her in disguise, Peter transforms himself into the awkward “Peta Gaye,” with hopes of getting close to Danielle as her “prayer partner.” The play skyrockets into a circus of shenanigans when real prayer partner, “prayer warrior” Sister Grace (Silvera), shows up.
Stepping into the role of Peter marked Tulloch’s first return to the stage in 10 years, making this Florida performance a particular thrill, says Tulloch.
“I use to live here, once upon a time,” said Tulloch in an interview with National Weekly after the performance. “It’s great to come back and do my work here and be appreciate the way we were appreciated today.”
“Stringbeans” Nicolson took on a slightly more serious persona for his performance as politician and Danielle’s father, Abe. And he made sure Jamaican audiences would recognize his character’s profession, donning a “distinct hair color, black and white – just like a politician you know,” says Nicolson.
For her performance as rabble-rousing revivalist Sister Grace, Deon Silvera took inspirations from her own family. “The signature sounds she makes are based on grandmother, who was a revivalist,” said Silvera. “When she was in the spirit, that’s the exact sound she use to give.”
Young and talented Allison McLean also tapped into her school-days’ past for her character, Danielle. She could definitely identity “being attracted to the bad boys. It was all about the thug look, feeling protected.”
In all, with fresh actors and a new South Florida stage, David Tulloch is thrilled “Prayer Partner” is still so much fun. “He’s still a big winner,” joked Tulloch. “He’s all of ten years, and he’s handling himself quite fine.”
