Cast members of 'RRR 2K9', (from left) Peter Abrikian, Craig McNally, O'Neil Peart, Marlon Campbell and Max Woodham, in action. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

RRR 2K9, a comedy review now playing at the Theatre Place on Haining Road in New Kingston, is all about men.

The unique concept is that of an all-male cast, mostly young actors, reflecting the male perspective in Jamaica.

"The Jamaican male perspective is just so interesting and intriguing to me. It's very colourful, the way they represent themselves and how they see life," said Coleen Lewis, executive producer at SI WI YAH Entertainment, producers of the comedic review.

There are more than 15 sketches, with six actors who provide a critique of issues relating to Jamaica, particularly the recession.

"You will see how it affects dancehall; how it affects the corporate environment, like attorney's like myself who have to diversify the services we offer," said Lewis. All in a funny way.

Other issues like the banning of certain words by the Broadcast Commission in the media and the controversial radio talk show host, Ragashanti, are also addressed.

Gone all out

"To have an all-male cast, I was eager to find out how we were going to play these roles," said O'Neil Peart, of why he was interested in acting in the review.

"I think we have gone all out and I do think we try to highlight the male perspective," said he whom many may know from his participation in the Rising Stars competition. He utilises all his skills in the review. He plays guitar, sings and even dances.

One of the most challenging parts of working in the review is staying in character, something that is difficult considering the number of characters involved.

Peter Abrikian, who is relatively new to acting, concurred with the challenge.

His involvement, he said, came by chance when he got a last-minute call because another actor fell through. He joined the cast with only two and a half weeks to rehearse.

Both men are thoroughly enjoying their work.

"I play a nerd in the second half and I love that role. I like the JPS character as well; we call him Skellie Ranks," Peart said.

"I particularly like this poem called 'Spanish Town Will Never be the Same'," noted Abrikian. He explained that it formed one of the most serious aspects of the review; it explains the degradation of the community by violence.

Unique name

The name, RRR 2K9 is also very unique.

"It's a sound used by Jamaican men and it means different things depending on the context in which it is used, and because it's a celebration of men and their perspective, we use that phrase," said Lewis.

She also explains that it may be an acronym for Real, Recession, Review and Ragga, the Reh Reh and the Recession.

The production, directed by Jerry Benzwick, runs from Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. at a cost of $1,000 per person. The other actors are Craig McNally, Max Woodham, Marlon Campbell, with alternates Kadeem Wilson and Junior Watkis.

It is slated to run until the end of the month. For details and group rates, call 303-3767.