The award-winning and internationally acclaimed play, Jamaica Farewell, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, will be presented on May 1, 2022, in Bowie, Maryland, at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, located at 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, Maryland at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 presold and $48 at the door. Tickets are available at www.bowiecenter.org or by calling (301) 814-3313.

Jamaica Farewell is a one-woman play based on the story of Debra Ehrhardt’s escape from the class struggle that seized Jamaica in the 1970s. Her dangerous journey from the island of her youth to the country of her dreams will enthrall, charm, and ultimately leave you celebrating at the triumphant conclusion of her autobiographical, one-woman show. The Miami Herald describes the play as “IRRESISTIBLE -Jamaica Farewell is funny, engaging, and irresistible!” – MIAMI HERALD, Fla.

Based on her true life story, Ehrhardt’s Jamaica Farewell chronicles her journey from Jamaica in the 1970s to fulfill her lifelong dream of going to America. At age 18, Debra Ehrhardt possessed a great desire to migrate to the USA; her path collided with a handsome CIA agent over a bowl of oxtail soup. At this time, she envisioned her wish to morph into reality. Debra saw a minute opportunity to navigate towards her dreams with the help of this love-struck American man. She began a dangerous adventure that only the youthful passion of a teenage girl would chance. However, the boundary between bravery and silliness blurred as she became more desperate when she agreed to take on a task that boggles the mind.

RIVETING – “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.

The Kingston-born Debra Ehrhardt has written and performed in three other one-woman productions, including award-winning Mango Mango, Cock Tales, and Invisible Chairs which was produced by David Strasberg at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre in West Hollywood and later optioned as a situation comedy by Fox. She was also a 2007 NYC Fringe festival award winner and received a 2007 Proclamation from the City of New York for Jamaica Farewell for her outstanding contribution to the Jamaican community.

Joel Zwick directs this award-winning play. Joel directed My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. His recent films include Fat Albert and Elvis Has Left the Building. Mr. Zwick directed the Broadway production of George Gershwin’s Alone at the Helen Hayes Theatre.

Debra Ehrhardt is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, and she is currently adapting Jamaica Farewell for the big screen. More info at www.jamaicafarewelltheplay.com

A TERRIFIC STORY – “A terrific story with wit and panache…suspenseful enough for a thriller and deliciously funny.” – LA WEEKLY, Los Angeles, California. Purchase tickets HERE .