One year ago, Room 513, Patrick Brown’s comedy about a married man with a roving eye, played to packed houses at Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston.

On June 13, the play kicks off a six-show run in the tri-state area at Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Its mission, however, is not all about laughs.

Part proceeds from the shows will help purchase digital devices and furniture for Jamaican schools affected by Hurricane Beryl last July. The funds will also be used to cover shipping costs and assist with scholarships.

Glen Campbell, who plays the lead character Lance Robinson, told Observer Online that: “I am happy to lend my time and talent to help to raise funds to help schools replace needed equipment that Beryl mash up and for scholarships.”

Donny McTaggart of DCM Films is one of the promoters behind the shows which are being held at high schools in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.

“We are hoping to attract Jamaican and Caribbean Diasporans who love our cultural presentations. Jamaicans are longing and very eager to laugh together again at our great comedic theatre presentations from our top artists,” he said.

Lance Robinson is a hotel maintenance manager who is tempted to cheat on his wife Joy, played by Quera South. The play opened last July and played to solid audiences over three months.

Courtney Wilson and Sharee McDonald-Russell complete the cast of Room 513 which is also scheduled for June 14 at Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut; June 15 at Harry S Truman High School in The Bronx, New York; June 27 at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut; June 28 at Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York; and June 29 at Cicely L Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in Orange, New Jersey.

– Howard Campbell