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| ANANCY AND DOUMBEY |
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Sonia and Don Mills Directed by Norman Rae Music and Lyrics by Don Mills Musical Director Marjorie Whylie Designed by Moira Small Choreography by Rex Nettleford Lighting by George Carter |
The
Story Many have proclaimed that it is the last days for the kingdom, the land is under siege, the crops have dried up, the fisherman's catch has dwindled - there is a blight upon the land. The common consensus is that the people's sins and wicked ways have led to an evil spirit being released on the land. It breathes fire and sounds like rolling thunder it is called Doumbey Something must be done - the King has to be told of the people's troubles and fears, a delegation must take the concerns to the Cabinet. Mamie Love, a local widow, is chosen as spokesperson and soon the villagers arrive at the palace. The King sends out his Minister for Positive Action Annanias N. Nancy to hear their woes, but getting in the middle of the whole argument is the King's eldest daughter, the rude and obnoxious, Princess Euphemia, the Minister of Beauty Culture. Euphemia is the total opposite to the younger Princess June Rose, an unassuming beauty who loves to wander about the country side unnoticed. In response to the people's concerns, a royal decree is made - anyone who slays the wicked beast can name their own reward. The first contender, Wild Bill, steps forward and names his price of £5,000. The second contender, Daniel, a politician, demands that if he wins - the King will abdicate the throne, and the land made a Republic, and of course, that he become the President. When no one else steps forward, Mamie Love reluctantly signs up. Her request - that her son Johnathan, a dreaming flute player is made the Minister of Culture. Anancy too, has his sneaky plans to get his own reward. The contenders head off to find Doumbey and Johnathan, though worried about his mother, helps her prepare to fight Doumbey. He is distracted for a short while by a meeting with a beautiful young stranger (an incognito June Rose) but the lovers' conversation is cut short as Doumbey strikes again When the mist clears - it is discovered that the King, the Palace and the Ministers have all disappeared. Princess Euphemia declares herself "heiress presumptive to the throne" and plans a concert for the return of the winning contender. Anancy emerges first - declaring victory but his trickery is shown up when once again Doumbey strikes. But this time - Doumbey is vanquished! It is Johnathan's pure heart and love for June Rose that conquers the evil spirit. The palace and its inhabitants reappear and Johnathan is rewarded with the hand of his love and all is well in the end
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4 Tom Redcam Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I.