HALLANDALE BEACH – It is a musical that will have you reminiscing, laughing, learning and singing.
Brief synopsis: Eighty-year-old Lucky leaves the hospital to spend his final moments with family and friends, reminiscing about the past and the colorful characters and stories from the early settlers of southern Broward County in the 1940s. An unfortunate event occurs after his demise, which leads to a positive outcome.
Mark your calendar for July 7, 5 p.m. at the Hallandale Cultural Community Center, 410 S.E. Third St., Hallandale Beach. Singer, songwriter and author, Cynthia Strachan (Jus’ Cynthia) has added playwright to her credits with the musical production, Their Story is Our Story.
Partly based on the historical documentary Strachan wrote – Promises from the Palmetto Bush, the Genesis of Carver Ranches – Their Story is Our Story is sponsored by the Bowles-Strachan House and the 501(c)3 nonprofit Women in Jazz South Florida Inc. (wijsf.org), and co-sponsored by the City of Hallandale Beach. The Bowles Strachan House is a historical landmark, built and purchased in 1941 by Ethelyn Bowles, Strachan’s grandmother.
The play debuted at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center on April 14 this year under the direction of Tony Thompson — himself an actor, playwright and director. The second performance was a week later, April 21, at the Cathedral of Praise Worship Center in West Park.
This time the evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception and exhibition of historical photos of Carver Ranches families from the 1940s and 1950s. The Palms Center Youth Jazz Band, a product of the Arts-At-Work Program in Hallandale, will provide the music. The play will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include a brief intermission. After the play, dance to the sounds of DJ Train until 11:30.
General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door; for seniors and students $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at jussent.com, 305-343-9403, and Days Cleaners (954-987-7742), 5232 Pembroke Rd., West Park; Mills Income Tax and Bookkeeping Services (954-454-3404), 110 Foster Rd., Hallandale; or Esther’s Home Health Services (954-987-7232), 3192-5 Hallandale Beach Blvd., Pembroke Park.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Palms Cultural Arts Center's Youth Jazz Band, through the Arts-at-Work Program in Hallandale (palmscenter4arts.com, 954-456-9611) under the leadership of Deborah Brown.
Photo: Keith Lee
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