Justin Whyte, Entertainment Editor He was the mastermind and writer of Boardwalk In Broadway, which was an adaptation of Boardwalk, produced by the Jamaica Junior Theatre, the youth arm of the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC). That production did more than 50 performances. And now, he has decided to continue in his winning theatrical ways, by writing and playing the lead role in Rockin' Romeo, his take-off of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
But, what inspired David Tulloch, 19, a member of the Junior Theatre and a UWI undergraduate?
"Last year the Junior Theatre was caught in a bind with copyright issues and we were also faced with the possibility of not having a production, especially following the success of Lion King. So Doug Bennett and the management committee of the production company challenged me to come up with a play, which was contemporary and real to young people.
"A group of us looked at a number of Broadway musicals, including Grease, West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet and decided to present a play depicting the rock 'n' roll of the 1960s", he said.
Within three days he had written an outline of the script, selected the songs to complement the storyline, in time for auditions on the third day.
"In addition to choosing the 23 songs, with accompanying dances I ended up playing the lead role," he said.
David also wrote last year's show Boardwalk In Broadway in six days. And it was a smashing success in terms of production and gate receipts.
The young playwright said he did not participate in plays at Wolmer's Boys School, but was involved in singing and dancing, with "an overdose of literature".
Awards
David got an award as Best Actor in the Secondary School's Drama Festival, he has also been nominated for Best Actor in a lead role by the International Theatre Institute for his part as 'Scar' in the 1999 production of Lion King.
His mother, Audrey Tulloch, who was his greatest fan, died last year during the theatre season, just before the fourth weekend running of Boardwalk In Broadway.
Was there a difficulty in switching from the position of script writer to that of actor?
"No! I played the script writer up to a point, then I switched to being an actor. I am always criticising my acting skills and my script and try to make adjustments on the spot," David told Showbiz.
The storyline of lovers Romeo and Julie, the choice of performer to play Julie is critical. And in Rockin' Romeo 15-year-old Samantha Chin-Yee plays the part well. Although she has been a member of the Junior Theatre for more than six years, this has been her biggest role.
"I was so surprised, when I was selected to play 'Julie'. I endeavoured to justify my selection and tried my best to pull off the role," Samantha told Showbiz.
She loves to perform and has been comfortable with her minor roles. The fifth former at Priory School dances at school as part of her extra-curricula activities and acting is not on her timetable.
She has her eyes set on pursuing a career in business, with drama/theatre as hobby.
Doug Bennett, producer and musical director of JMTC told Showbiz: "She was given the role on the strength of her audition. Her dancing has improved so much and she has a voice which shows promise. She was the principal dancer in Boardwalk In Broadway and she performed well."
Samantha loves the script and her role in Rockin' Romeo, but feels "it could have been more original... it was rather predictable. But it has been a challenge."
But the high point of the musical for her was the costumes designed by Sharon Jackson, Paul Royes and Lurline Walsh.
"I had so many costumes, so I could change frequently, which was very exciting. I also had fun singing and dancing," she said.
David's dream is to start his own company and become a specialist in Broadway productions. "I intend to make an impact on theatre some day," he said.
