Reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed your performance. JAMAICA FAREWELL is riveting. You have found a way to present this fact-based story in an inimitable Jamaican style, that demonstrates the versatility and determination of the Jamaican spirit and our ability to triumph in the face of adversity. ~Jamaica Ambassador Audrey Marks
Truth is rarely more exciting than fiction. But this time it is. Jamaica Farewell authored and acted by Debra Ehrhardt recalls the never-to-be-forgotten period of the 1970's in dramatic and traumatic episodes, brilliantly performed by Debra in a magnificent reawakening of the most tragic period in modern Jamaican History. ~Honorable Edward Seaga
A combination of spy thriller and slapstick comedy..Ehrhardt is an excellent storyteller and monologist! ~CREATIVE LOAFING, Atlanta
Captivating...Memorable...Fantastic..An outstanding piece of theatre! ~TICO TIMES, Costa Rica
Powerful Story. Wonderfully executed. ~ARTSBEATLA, Los Angeles,
Delightful..Ehrhardt holds the audience in the palm of her hands. ~STAGESCELELA, Los Angeles
Powerful and Riveting from beginning to end! ~TOLUCAN TIMES, Los Angeles
The most captivating solo production this reviewer has witnessed! ~BURBANK LEADER, Los Angeles
Entertaining and engaging... ~EXAMINER, Los Angeles
Her storytelling captivates...mesmerizes...a ninety-minute tour de force! ~EDGE, Los Angeles
The reviews were right! Powerful, fantastic performance! A definite must see! ~THE OBSERVER, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica Farewell delivers splashes of nostalgia, warmth and island charm..touching, funny, captivating and hugely enjoyable.. ~Tyrone Reid, TALLAWAH, Kingston, Jamaica
One of the funniest stories I have ever had the pleasure of listening to...a theatrical tour de force of both script and performance ~Barbara Blake, JAMAICA MEDIA PRODUCTIONS, Kingston Jamaica
I caught closing night of Jamaica Farewell, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt, and was simply blown away. It's a one-woman show, but you'd think that you were in a movie. She masterfully told her tale that kept the audience entranced, titillated, mesmerised and awestruck. Her show was only here for one weekend, but it left an indelible mark on our theatre landscape, as it was drama at its best... ! ~Tony Robinson, THE OBSERVER, Kingston, JAMAICA
Debra Ehrhardt's Jamaica Farewell is brash and precocious in its simplicity and exudes an overwhelming and compelling charm that belies the boldness of the playwright /actress.
With meticulous yet not pedantic intricacies Debra weaves a web that tugs and hauls you willingly or even unwillingly at first, into her story so that without even knowing exactly when, you are the story, and the journey is yours.
Jamaica Farewell is an account of deep personal pain revealed honestly. And in true Jamaican style with a generous enough serving of humor sprinkled cautiously and appropriately. It is the ambivalence of embracing your shame, of loving to the end regardless, of doing the wrong things painstakingly correctly, in pursuit of a supposedly higher and more noble calling. It is about not giving up on a dream even after others have given up on you because of the seeming futility of the pursuit of that dream. It is about faith and risks amidst seriously debilitating fatal alternatives.
Debra reveals her story through skillful employment and an unfailing adherence to the ever so tested principles and signposts of the hero's journey such that would make the ancestry of epic story codifiers and shamans take note. From Aristotle through Joseph Campbell to Christopher Vogler and Robert McKee the theoretical underpinning on which this tale is platformed is sound. As such, all human kind but particularly student playwrights, novelists, short story tellers and writers, screen writers, actors and directors should benefit immensely from a viewing of this well chronicled "personal confessions of Debra." Jamaica Farewell is simple and irrefutable corroborated evidence that less is more. ~Basil Dawkins, JAMAICAN PLAYWRIGHT, Kingston, Jamaica
Debra Ehrhardt wrote and executed an excellent piece that held the audience spell bound from start to finish--not a boring moment--- undoubtedly a top grade piece and thanks for it! ~Munair Zacca, Actor, Kingston, Jamaica
Last night, my wife and I were in Atlanta and took the opportunity to attend the fabulous one woman show titled: "Jamaica Farewell" staring Debra Ehrhardt and Directed by Francis McGahy. It is funny, it's original, well rehearsed and went off without a hitch. I could readily relate to the story line about a Jamaican girl who dreams of escaping to America during the Turbulent Seventies. Through many daring and hilarious twists and turns (Jamaican style), she averts disaster and achieves her goal. For good belly laughs and inspiration mixed with a great deal of back-home inferences, you will want to make every effort to see this magnificent production. I absolutely loved it and I am sure you will as well. Ms. Ehrhardt deserves an Oscar. To learn about play dates, please go to: jamaicafarewelltheplay.com. Your soul will be enriched. ~Basil Waine Kong, http://www.jamaicachapter.blogspot.com/
I don't know if she has a producer, but I would put money into it. ~NUVO, Indianapolis
Ms. Ehrhardt succeeds in creating one of the most memorable shows that I have seen...I highly recommend this show as something original and different... ~STAGEHAPPENINGS.COM, Los Angeles
Jamaica Farewell is outrageous, funny, honest and thoroughly entertaining. You will not be disappointed! ~DCTHEATRESCENE.COM, Washington D.C.
This critic has finally found a one-person show that he highly recommends. ~ALLARTSREVIEW4U, Washington D.C.
Debra Ehrhardt possesses a rare ability to mesmerize that would have kept ancient Grecians sitting around the fire for hours. ~WASHINGTON POST, Washington D.C.
Flashes of wit and genuine lyricism combined with an adventure that might make James Bond sweat.…gripping and marvelously funny! ~BACKSTAGE, NY
Exciting! Ehrhardt’s charm as a storyteller is unwavering. A lovely escape! ~CURTAINUP, NY
Funny! Ehrhardt emoted and delivered a stellar performance! ~EDGE NY
Funny and tender until it suddenly becomes The Bourne Ultimatum. ~NYTHEATRE.COM, NY
I recommend this piece to all theatre goers. ~OFFOFFONLINE.COM, NY
Mesmerizing…Whoever lives through Ehrhardt’s journey with her, stands up to holler ,‘You go girl!’ Among polite theatre goers, a standing ovation has to suffice. ~DAILY FREEMAN Woodstock, NY
Jamaica Farewell is a delightful, suspenseful, well written play. ~NEW YORK BEACON NY
A fascinating story…a 90-minute feast for the ears and soul. ~METROLAND, Woodstock NY
Exuberant! High Comedy! ~NEW YORK TIMES
“Jamaica, Farewell” was definitely one of the highlights of the 2008 Wintergreen Summer Music Festival! Our audiences loved it. Debra Ehrhardt is a major talent . . . as an actress and as a playwright.” ~Larry Alan Smith, Artistic and Executive Director, Wintergreen Performing Arts, VA
Powerful…Debra Ehrhardt holds the audience captive from beginning to end, with this powerful drama, filled with humor and suspense. ~AFRIDIZIAK, LONDON UK
A well-crafted and put together piece of honest and charming autobiography. ~EXTRA, LONDON UK
Winning! The evening’s real pleasure is simply Ehrhardt herself, She’s got it going on, living every day like Independence Day. ~LA TIMES
A terrific story with wit and panache…suspenseful enough for a thriller and deliciously funny. ~LA WEEKLY
Not since Nia Vardalos' MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING has there been such a captivating and hilarious one-person show as JAMAICA, FAREWELL. ~www.livelyarts.com
Ranging from comedic to heartbreaking to utterly unbelievable, a joy to watch. ~UCLA BRUIN
Entertaining, funny, wonderfully told tale…enough humor to melt even the Minutemen patrolling our border. ~BEVERLY HILLS OUTLOOK
A TOUR DE FORCE…Ehrhardt’s inspired performance makes you laugh and cry and applaud the persistence of the human spirit…an unforgettable journey, crafted with wit and empathy. ~BLOG CRITIC
A gripping, suspenseful, and hilarious odyssey… Debra Ehrhardt is a terrific story-teller...engrossing, entertaining, and amusing. ~REVIEWPLAYS.COM
Filled with humor, emotion, and gripping suspense…Highly entertaining and poignant…A crackerjack storyteller. ~TOLUCAN TIMES
A plot driven, fascinating story full of twist and turns,…Hilarious...a true coming-to-America story…Ehrhardt rivets the audience. ~VALLEY SCENE MAGAZINE
The writing, and her performance of it, is riveting…I’ll never forget some of it . ~LEEWOCHNER.COM
Capture a piece of the American Dream…saucy, spicy and flighty as Jamaican jerk wings. ~BURBANK TIMES
When a one-woman show makes you feel like you saw a fully-cast play, you know you've just witnessed a fabulous actor at work....an extremely talented performer…not to be missed. ~BUZZINE MAGAZINE
Debra’s performance is stunning and evocative as she weaves a journey of love, whimsy and intrigue. She tugs at your heartstrings in her determination to win, and with grace. ~ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED PRODUCER, KAROLYN ALI
Enthused with the madcap humor and deep emotions of the Jamaican spirit, this riveting tale reminds us of the power of personal storytelling. ~DIRECTOR, “CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER,” “QUIET AMERICAN,” PHILLP NOYCE
Debra takes off the gloves and wraps her elegant hands around the American dream the way it used to be. With her sultry voice and physical beauty, it’s a fast-paced twelve round knockout that leaves you chuckling and dewy-eyed at the same time. Here’s one Jamaican joy that reminds us of how we used to be for most immigrants; 'America The Beautiful’. ~PRODUCER, NEWS ANCHOR, BREE WALKER
A brilliant evening's entertainment … Debra Ehrhardt held the audience spellbound for one and a half hours without a hitch … Some serious talents involved here. ~PERRY HENZELL DIRECTOR, "HARDER THEY COME"
Powerful…with wit and a melodic Jamaican lilt, Ehrhardt proves to be an entertaining and charming raconteur. ~THE NEW YORKER
Fantastic! An emotional journey that does full justice to the drama of her life-changing off-stage odyssey. ~TIME OUT NY
Humorous…Intriguing…lively and colorful…a truly pleasurable experience. ~BROADWAYWORLD.COM
An awesome hilarious play. ~Barbara Simpson, NY CARIB NEWS
You don't want it to end. ~jamaicans.com
Traversing the rich, cultural and political landscape of the 1970's Jamaica, Debra Ehrhardt weaves her way through the complexities of that period to bring the audience to a humorous and compelling view of the reality of a turbulent time in the country's history. Superb acting places the viewers at the center of the plot and leaving them holding their bellies in pure laughter. ~Dr. Basil K. Bryan, Ambassador / Consul General of Jamaica, New York
Hang on to your seat. With guile and humor Debra takes you on a hill 'n gully ride that will leave you breathless and enlivened. I highly recommend Jamaica Farewell to everyone. ~Dorothy Mc Leod, President of Jamaica Cultural Alliance, Los Angeles
Once in a while a play comes along, so well written that you can see, feel and experience the restless times and inner turmoil - not to mention the intense rip-roaring humor - Debra endured. Jamaica Farewell is one such play...Go and see it! ~Cleveland O Neil, Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Los Angeles
Truth is rarely more exciting than fiction. But this time it is. Jamaica Farewell authored and acted by Debra Ehrhardt recalls the never-to-be-forgotten period of the 1970's in dramatic and traumatic episodes, brilliantly performed by Debra in a magnificent reawakening of the most tragic period in modern Jamaican History. ~Honorable Edward Seaga
A combination of spy thriller and slapstick comedy..Ehrhardt is an excellent storyteller and monologist! ~CREATIVE LOAFING, Atlanta
Captivating...Memorable...Fantastic..An outstanding piece of theatre! ~TICO TIMES, Costa Rica
Powerful Story. Wonderfully executed. ~ARTSBEATLA, Los Angeles,
Delightful..Ehrhardt holds the audience in the palm of her hands. ~STAGESCELELA, Los Angeles
Powerful and Riveting from beginning to end! ~TOLUCAN TIMES, Los Angeles
The most captivating solo production this reviewer has witnessed! ~BURBANK LEADER, Los Angeles
Entertaining and engaging... ~EXAMINER, Los Angeles
Her storytelling captivates...mesmerizes...a ninety-minute tour de force! ~EDGE, Los Angeles
The reviews were right! Powerful, fantastic performance! A definite must see! ~THE OBSERVER, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica Farewell delivers splashes of nostalgia, warmth and island charm..touching, funny, captivating and hugely enjoyable.. ~Tyrone Reid, TALLAWAH, Kingston, Jamaica
One of the funniest stories I have ever had the pleasure of listening to...a theatrical tour de force of both script and performance ~Barbara Blake, JAMAICA MEDIA PRODUCTIONS, Kingston Jamaica
I caught closing night of Jamaica Farewell, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt, and was simply blown away. It's a one-woman show, but you'd think that you were in a movie. She masterfully told her tale that kept the audience entranced, titillated, mesmerised and awestruck. Her show was only here for one weekend, but it left an indelible mark on our theatre landscape, as it was drama at its best... ! ~Tony Robinson, THE OBSERVER, Kingston, JAMAICA
Debra Ehrhardt's Jamaica Farewell is brash and precocious in its simplicity and exudes an overwhelming and compelling charm that belies the boldness of the playwright /actress.
With meticulous yet not pedantic intricacies Debra weaves a web that tugs and hauls you willingly or even unwillingly at first, into her story so that without even knowing exactly when, you are the story, and the journey is yours.
Jamaica Farewell is an account of deep personal pain revealed honestly. And in true Jamaican style with a generous enough serving of humor sprinkled cautiously and appropriately. It is the ambivalence of embracing your shame, of loving to the end regardless, of doing the wrong things painstakingly correctly, in pursuit of a supposedly higher and more noble calling. It is about not giving up on a dream even after others have given up on you because of the seeming futility of the pursuit of that dream. It is about faith and risks amidst seriously debilitating fatal alternatives.
Debra reveals her story through skillful employment and an unfailing adherence to the ever so tested principles and signposts of the hero's journey such that would make the ancestry of epic story codifiers and shamans take note. From Aristotle through Joseph Campbell to Christopher Vogler and Robert McKee the theoretical underpinning on which this tale is platformed is sound. As such, all human kind but particularly student playwrights, novelists, short story tellers and writers, screen writers, actors and directors should benefit immensely from a viewing of this well chronicled "personal confessions of Debra." Jamaica Farewell is simple and irrefutable corroborated evidence that less is more. ~Basil Dawkins, JAMAICAN PLAYWRIGHT, Kingston, Jamaica
Debra Ehrhardt wrote and executed an excellent piece that held the audience spell bound from start to finish--not a boring moment--- undoubtedly a top grade piece and thanks for it! ~Munair Zacca, Actor, Kingston, Jamaica
Last night, my wife and I were in Atlanta and took the opportunity to attend the fabulous one woman show titled: "Jamaica Farewell" staring Debra Ehrhardt and Directed by Francis McGahy. It is funny, it's original, well rehearsed and went off without a hitch. I could readily relate to the story line about a Jamaican girl who dreams of escaping to America during the Turbulent Seventies. Through many daring and hilarious twists and turns (Jamaican style), she averts disaster and achieves her goal. For good belly laughs and inspiration mixed with a great deal of back-home inferences, you will want to make every effort to see this magnificent production. I absolutely loved it and I am sure you will as well. Ms. Ehrhardt deserves an Oscar. To learn about play dates, please go to: jamaicafarewelltheplay.com. Your soul will be enriched. ~Basil Waine Kong, http://www.jamaicachapter.blogspot.com/
I don't know if she has a producer, but I would put money into it. ~NUVO, Indianapolis
Ms. Ehrhardt succeeds in creating one of the most memorable shows that I have seen...I highly recommend this show as something original and different... ~STAGEHAPPENINGS.COM, Los Angeles
Jamaica Farewell is outrageous, funny, honest and thoroughly entertaining. You will not be disappointed! ~DCTHEATRESCENE.COM, Washington D.C.
This critic has finally found a one-person show that he highly recommends. ~ALLARTSREVIEW4U, Washington D.C.
Debra Ehrhardt possesses a rare ability to mesmerize that would have kept ancient Grecians sitting around the fire for hours. ~WASHINGTON POST, Washington D.C.
Flashes of wit and genuine lyricism combined with an adventure that might make James Bond sweat.…gripping and marvelously funny! ~BACKSTAGE, NY
Exciting! Ehrhardt’s charm as a storyteller is unwavering. A lovely escape! ~CURTAINUP, NY
Funny! Ehrhardt emoted and delivered a stellar performance! ~EDGE NY
Funny and tender until it suddenly becomes The Bourne Ultimatum. ~NYTHEATRE.COM, NY
I recommend this piece to all theatre goers. ~OFFOFFONLINE.COM, NY
Mesmerizing…Whoever lives through Ehrhardt’s journey with her, stands up to holler ,‘You go girl!’ Among polite theatre goers, a standing ovation has to suffice. ~DAILY FREEMAN Woodstock, NY
Jamaica Farewell is a delightful, suspenseful, well written play. ~NEW YORK BEACON NY
A fascinating story…a 90-minute feast for the ears and soul. ~METROLAND, Woodstock NY
Exuberant! High Comedy! ~NEW YORK TIMES
“Jamaica, Farewell” was definitely one of the highlights of the 2008 Wintergreen Summer Music Festival! Our audiences loved it. Debra Ehrhardt is a major talent . . . as an actress and as a playwright.” ~Larry Alan Smith, Artistic and Executive Director, Wintergreen Performing Arts, VA
Powerful…Debra Ehrhardt holds the audience captive from beginning to end, with this powerful drama, filled with humor and suspense. ~AFRIDIZIAK, LONDON UK
A well-crafted and put together piece of honest and charming autobiography. ~EXTRA, LONDON UK
Winning! The evening’s real pleasure is simply Ehrhardt herself, She’s got it going on, living every day like Independence Day. ~LA TIMES
A terrific story with wit and panache…suspenseful enough for a thriller and deliciously funny. ~LA WEEKLY
Not since Nia Vardalos' MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING has there been such a captivating and hilarious one-person show as JAMAICA, FAREWELL. ~www.livelyarts.com
Ranging from comedic to heartbreaking to utterly unbelievable, a joy to watch. ~UCLA BRUIN
Entertaining, funny, wonderfully told tale…enough humor to melt even the Minutemen patrolling our border. ~BEVERLY HILLS OUTLOOK
A TOUR DE FORCE…Ehrhardt’s inspired performance makes you laugh and cry and applaud the persistence of the human spirit…an unforgettable journey, crafted with wit and empathy. ~BLOG CRITIC
A gripping, suspenseful, and hilarious odyssey… Debra Ehrhardt is a terrific story-teller...engrossing, entertaining, and amusing. ~REVIEWPLAYS.COM
Filled with humor, emotion, and gripping suspense…Highly entertaining and poignant…A crackerjack storyteller. ~TOLUCAN TIMES
A plot driven, fascinating story full of twist and turns,…Hilarious...a true coming-to-America story…Ehrhardt rivets the audience. ~VALLEY SCENE MAGAZINE
The writing, and her performance of it, is riveting…I’ll never forget some of it . ~LEEWOCHNER.COM
Capture a piece of the American Dream…saucy, spicy and flighty as Jamaican jerk wings. ~BURBANK TIMES
When a one-woman show makes you feel like you saw a fully-cast play, you know you've just witnessed a fabulous actor at work....an extremely talented performer…not to be missed. ~BUZZINE MAGAZINE
Debra’s performance is stunning and evocative as she weaves a journey of love, whimsy and intrigue. She tugs at your heartstrings in her determination to win, and with grace. ~ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED PRODUCER, KAROLYN ALI
Enthused with the madcap humor and deep emotions of the Jamaican spirit, this riveting tale reminds us of the power of personal storytelling. ~DIRECTOR, “CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER,” “QUIET AMERICAN,” PHILLP NOYCE
Debra takes off the gloves and wraps her elegant hands around the American dream the way it used to be. With her sultry voice and physical beauty, it’s a fast-paced twelve round knockout that leaves you chuckling and dewy-eyed at the same time. Here’s one Jamaican joy that reminds us of how we used to be for most immigrants; 'America The Beautiful’. ~PRODUCER, NEWS ANCHOR, BREE WALKER
A brilliant evening's entertainment … Debra Ehrhardt held the audience spellbound for one and a half hours without a hitch … Some serious talents involved here. ~PERRY HENZELL DIRECTOR, "HARDER THEY COME"
Powerful…with wit and a melodic Jamaican lilt, Ehrhardt proves to be an entertaining and charming raconteur. ~THE NEW YORKER
Fantastic! An emotional journey that does full justice to the drama of her life-changing off-stage odyssey. ~TIME OUT NY
Humorous…Intriguing…lively and colorful…a truly pleasurable experience. ~BROADWAYWORLD.COM
An awesome hilarious play. ~Barbara Simpson, NY CARIB NEWS
You don't want it to end. ~jamaicans.com
Traversing the rich, cultural and political landscape of the 1970's Jamaica, Debra Ehrhardt weaves her way through the complexities of that period to bring the audience to a humorous and compelling view of the reality of a turbulent time in the country's history. Superb acting places the viewers at the center of the plot and leaving them holding their bellies in pure laughter. ~Dr. Basil K. Bryan, Ambassador / Consul General of Jamaica, New York
Hang on to your seat. With guile and humor Debra takes you on a hill 'n gully ride that will leave you breathless and enlivened. I highly recommend Jamaica Farewell to everyone. ~Dorothy Mc Leod, President of Jamaica Cultural Alliance, Los Angeles
Once in a while a play comes along, so well written that you can see, feel and experience the restless times and inner turmoil - not to mention the intense rip-roaring humor - Debra endured. Jamaica Farewell is one such play...Go and see it! ~Cleveland O Neil, Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Los Angeles