A dozen new acts, many old favourites, one 'Powerful' stage

Fifteen years later, and with $44 million raised for Mustard Seed Communities, this year's Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity show returns to the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College, on Sunday, May 31, for two shows at 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., with at least 12 first-time performers, including two reigning beauty queens, media personalities, game changers and business leaders onstage.

Among the first-time performers confirmed are Damion Crawford, minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment; Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor; Dr Fritz Pinnock, CEO of the Caribbean Maritime Institute; George Davis, news editor, Nationwide News Network; Irvin Forbes, managing editor, CVM; Terri-Karelle Reid, brand ambassador, Gleaner On-Line; Dorraine Samuels, TVJ newsreader; Vernon Darby, presenter on Nationwide, Ian Forbes, managing director, Sherwin Williams and JAAA's vice-president; and Natalie Chin-Watkins, advertising manager, Jamaica Observer. Joining them will be the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell and Miss Jamaica World Lauri Chin. Leading actress Dorothy Cunningham will have a special presentation for patrons.

Popular favourites like Carol Francis, Cordel Green, Michael Abrahams, Georgia Henry and the fantastic Four (Dimario McDowell, Michael Powell, Emerson Henry and Maurice Henry) are sure to once again delight the audience with comedy, music and dancing.

As is customary, the show will have something for everyone, and the fashion enthusiasts are in for a treat, as the elegant ladies of the cast will be joined by dapper men Richard Nevers, Navardo Thaxter, AndrÈ Watson, Karl Williams and Mark Anthony Scott.

The International Youth Fellowship Group - which wowed the audience two years ago with Gangmam Style - has been creating new dances for the show and is to be joined by a group of more than 50 mature dancers in a number called 'Generation Gap'.

Award-winning actress Nadean Rawlins will be the MC for the evening and musical director Ewan Simpson returns with outstanding arrangements for the singers on the show.

"Rehearsals are in full gear as the cast and crew get ready to unveil another exciting show and an evening of great entertainment. I am thrilled with the variety of acts and the number of exciting new performers this year," said Weston Haughton, show producer.

Conceptualised by Thyra Heaven 15 years ago, the Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity Show will be staged this year under the theme 'United We Care ... Together We Share'.

Sponsors include The Gleaner, Supreme Ventures Limited, Jamaica National Foundation, Dynamic Corporate Solutions Inc, MAPCO, Corporate Image and Solutions Limited, Barita, Supreme Chemicals, and Sandals.