Rundown returns to spread laughter

(CMR) Rundown, Cayman’s most hilarious comedy show is back for its 28th season with its usual laugh-out-loud mix of comedy, satire, and songs about living life in Cayman told through a collection of skits, monologues, and music. 

This year’s show will take place at the Harquail Theatre over two weekends from March 18 to 27.

After taking a break in 2020 due to a global pandemic, organizers said Rundown has returned in 2021 to spread laughter, not COVID.  The show, which is rated PG, is produced by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF).

Created by then long-time resident Dave Martins in 1991, Rundown is now embedded in the Cayman public's cultural psyche. People look forward to a mention in the show and count it an honor to be featured in Rundown.

When the show first started in 1992, it was described as “one step closer to defining Caymanian theatre” by Henry Muttoo, CNCF Artistic Director, designer, and director of Rundown since 1992 and also its writer since the mid-2000s. 

“Rundown has always been a cathartic experience for both the playwright and the audience member who engages in the theatre experience. The show loosely reflects on some of what has taken place in our country over the past year, processing it through the lens of humour,” Muttoo said

“For almost 30 years, this show has held up a mirror to our collective faces and made us laugh at ourselves and celebrate the quirky bits of our society and the larger-than-life characters in our community. Never pointing fingers, we aim to lift the audience members’ spirits and, perhaps, help them recognize the unique aspects of our culture,” the Artistic Director added.  

Mutto said this year, CNCF has afforded a wider opportunity to one of Cayman's more talented actors and writers, Matt Brown, to engage in the writing process. Matt has contributed to at least two other Rundown scripts.

“His sense of humor will be immediately apparent as audiences watch his work in this production,” Muttoo explained.

Another young theatre enthusiast, Jevaughnie Ebanks, who has been engaged with CNCF, has also made contributions to the writing in the form of ideas and a short skit that has been adapted.

Muttoo noted that including young writers ensures “planning for the future and welcoming young creatives, who will eventually come into their own as writers, and keep our Rundown, and other traditions, alive into the future.”  

This year’s edition will include many familiar faces, as well as some newcomers to the mix. Others participating in this year's production include Leroy Holness, Giselle Webb, Evana Martinez, Josefa Martinez, Rachel Gepolla, Colin Wilson, The Big Kuhana, and Janae Whittaker.

On March 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27, the show begins at 8  pm, while on March 21 and 28, it begins at 6  pm.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children 16 and under and seniors 65+ (ID required). They can be purchased online at eventpro.ky or Funky Tangs, Fosters Camana Bay, Healthcare Pharmacy Grand Harbour, and the CNCF Office.

To reserve tickets, or for more information on Rundown, email [email protected], call 949.5477, or check out the CNCF’s official Facebook page @caymanculture.