THE Broadcasting Commission may not get public support all the time but when its executive director, Cordel Green, took the stage at the Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity show on Sunday, he had the audience’s full attention.

A regular on the 15-year-old event which raises funds for the Mustard Seed Communities, Green’s comedic act entitled ‘Bling Church’ saw him portraying an uncharacteristic pastor who uses the pulpit to preach on relationships.

Riddled with double entendre, Green had the crowd in stitches and was only matched by the wit of medical doctor-cum-performer Michael Abrahams whose ‘discourse’ covered a myriad of topical issues.

The show saw bumper crowds streaming into the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College to see known public and private sector figures performing in support of the worthy charity.

There were some new faces on this year’s show including broadcaster Dorraine Samuels whose ditty, Second Hand Rose, was well received. Many forget that in the early 1980s she released a cover of Woman in Me, originally recorded by Crystal Gayle.

Singer Charmaine Lemonius got the first round of laughs when she appeared as boxom, blonde-wigged Dolly Parton, Southern accent and all, for her delivery of Parton’s Nine to Five from the movie of the same name.

She then teamed with Ainsley Deer for the Parton/ Kenny Rogers favourite, Islands in The Stream.

Perennial favourite, broadcaster Carol Francis, did not disappoint. She danced her way into the hearts of the audience with another tightly choreographed dancehall number accompanied by members of the Dance Xpressionz aggregation.

Francis is one of the few ‘performers’ who has appeared on every staging of the event.

The fashion segment saw the debut of junior entertainment minister Damion Crawford who showcased a tan suit complemented by a green tie and pocket piece. This was not missed by the audience.

He returned to the stage to act as Rosemarie Lee, belting out And I Am Telling You from the Broadway musical and film Dreamgirls.

The Mustard Seed Communities have benefited immensely from the proceeds of this event and this year’s staging should assist in meeting their $378-million budget.