It’s “Trouble in Jamaica” for the East End Special Players

[caption id="attachment_57944" align="alignnone" width="800"] Members of the East End Special Players.[/caption]

After a two-year hiatus, the East End Special Players will perform “Trouble in Jamaica” for East End audiences on December 10 at 5 p.m. at the Bay Street Theater.

Twenty-five years ago, the EESP was formed to serve local learning-challenged citizens, who used to perform only in mime. Now, the Players speak their lines and write the plays themselves using their own lives, loves and dreams as dramatic and comedic inspiration.

The Players, from almost every town on the East End, have spent two years developing “Trouble in Jamaica,” which marks yet another plateau for the group, which has performed in local schools, as well as the Governor’s mansion and New York City. Artistic Director, Jacqui Leader is celebrating 25 years with the troupe and is responsible for its development as a performing arts group.

“Down-syndrome does not negate the desire to become a nightclub chanteuse; IQ levels do not dampen love and desire; and mental challenges of all stripes can lead to great insights into the human condition,” Mary Spitzer said in a press release.

The play, set to music, is fiction and every line and vignette is the result of a narrative collaboration between the troupe, taking place in a downbeat apartment building in Jamaica, Queens. The performance at Bay Street is a benefit with silent and Dutch auctions to raise the funds to proceed. A wine reception — courtesy of Channing Daughters Vineyards and the culinary skills of Marie-Eve Berty — will start at 5 p.m. followed by the play and a champagne infused auction.

Tickets are $75 for reserved seating, $50 for general seating and $30 for students and the Players’ families. Tickets are available on line at eastendspecialplayers.com or at the door.