Irish and Chin is bringing Jamaica’s hottest play “The Politicians,” which is written by Paul O. Beale and directed by Bunny Allen, to sizzle in the Tri-State area this Memorial Day Weekend. The enthusiasm of diehard “Roots” theatergoers has reached an all-time high as they gear up for stagings of the play on Saturday, May 26, 2012 in Hartford, CT (Weaver HighSchool), Sunday, May 27 in Queens, New York (York College) and the newly added show on Saturday, June 23 in East Orange, NJ (Campus High School). Just as big as the anticipation of the actual production is the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the top rated cast, which includesAndrea “Delcita” Wright, Keith “Shebada” Ramsay, Michael“Stringbeans” Nicholson, Abigail Grant, Junior Williams, Stacy-AnnBrissette and Patrick Smith. An added treat for theatergoers in “The Politicians” is Christopher “Johnny” Daley, a well seasoned and respected Jamaican actor whose immense fan base and draw originated from his coveted role on popular JamaicanTV show “Lime Tree Lane” in the 80’s and 90’s. Rising to cult status popularity, Christopher “Johnny” Daley grew up before everyone’s eyes on television.
Now a staple in Jamaican theater, Christopher “Johnny” Daley has brought his diverse talent to the stage. In fact, Daley’s highly rated performance in “The Politicians” marks his official debut in a play from the Stages Productions camp. Amazingly, the skilled Daley holds down two separate characters in “The Politicians,” namely the Minister of Parliament Gary and talk show host Geldoff. Outrageously funny and distinct characters, Gary has a lot of clout when it comes to politics and wields his power over not just the politicians whom he controls but also his lady-friend Sadie. Meanwhile, in the role of Geldoff, Daley plays a comical and feisty old talk show host who is not afraid to disconnect with anyone who does not share his views. When asked about acting in two roles, Daley says, “I love acting, that’s what I have been doing for 25 years and naturally, performing as multiple characters truly shows one’s range as an actor.”
While Daley has been successful in both television and theater, it seems the famed actor favors the stage. He says, “You definitely have to approach theater differently from television, but I would have to say that I prefer theater over television as I get to see an immediate reaction from the audience. That is how you gauge whether you are doing your job properly.”
Daley promises that theatergoers will receive a belly full of laughter while viewing “The Politicians.” When asked to describe “ThePoliticians,” which is dominating Jamaica’s theater circuit, in just threewords,Daley declares the play as one of “hilarity, excitement and energy.” Aside from his natural praise of “ThePoliticians,” Daley confirms “of all the Stages repertoire, ‘Ghetto Out’ reigns as my favorite play, as there was a ‘real’ story behind the humor.”
Although new to Stages, Daley has known members of the camp for many years. The talented, yet extremely humble actor has a deep rootedrespect for all of the key players in Jamaican theater. But in his eyes,“Shebada and Delcita are some of the genre’s hardest working stars.” The actor declares “every moment of theiracting is craftily done.”
In addition to thriving as a successful actor, Daley is also host of a popular radio show ‘Di Endz’, which airs on Nationwide Network. And for this role, Daley recently received an MIAA award for “Personality of the Year.” Daley has his eyes set on the prize, consistently landing opportunities on his professional journey. Daley’s manyfans can look forward to him as a lead character in an upcoming play written byPaul O. Beale. Until then, he encourages fans to come and soak in the laughter of “The Politicians” – destined to be a hit in the New York Tri-State area.