New York, N.Y. - The Paul Robeson Theater has announced plans to highlight Doctors On Call (D.O.C., Organization Inc.) fall mission to Jamaica during the run of their production JAMAICA, the first major revival in forty years of the Tony-nominated 1957 musical comedy. Proceeds raised through the post show donations will go to fund much needed missionary work in the Caribbean.

A private nonprofit organization (D.O.C.) is an international independent surgical outreach organization with a team committed to providing surgical aid wherever needed in the Caribbean, regardless of religion, politics or sex. D.O.C. recently dispatched a specialized six-person outreach team to Jamaica. Over the course of four days, the team carried out 29 general and reconstructive surgeries, and made over 25 consults. As well, the team focused on the training of personnel, with an initiative that invites local doctors to sit in on procedures and learn new techniques.

JAMAICA, which opened Friday August 3rd at the Paul Robeson Theater in Brooklyn, and runs every weekend in August, tells the story of local islanders Koli and Savannah, and was written by the legendary musical team Arlen and Harburg (The Wizard of Oz).

"The story is set in Jamaica, and through telling the story of these characters, as artists we are able to give back to the Jamaican community," explains Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, Director and Choreographer of JAMAICA, "By joining forces with Doctors On Call, we have found another way to give back."

The gift will be used to donate medical equipment, supplies, and medicines that will enhance selected Jamaican hospitals' surgical units. Since April, D.O.C. has been supporting five areas of development in specialty and sub-specialty surgery: Ear Nose Throat (ENT), which included head and neck and craniofacial surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive, General, Vascular surgery, and Urology. The funding is especially timely because the second mission is expected to take place in the next three months.

"We understand that success in our drive for access to surgical care will not be possible alone and so we are eager to work cooperatively with partners in the public and private sector", says Dr. Brian Donaldson, General and Vascular surgeon, and medical spokesperson for D.O.C. "This unique partnership with the Paul Robeson Theater", he continues, "will provide the much needed support we need to enhance and expand our program, as well as showcasing the theater's continued commitment to supporting arts in our community."

Directed and choreographed by Audelco Award-winner Rajendra Maharaj, the Tony-nominated musical JAMAICA follows up last year's smash hit Damn Yankees. Originally produced by David Merrick, JAMAICA premiered at the Imperial Theater on October 31, 1957. Jamaica broke box office records with over $1 million in pre-sales due to its stars Lena Horne and Ricardo Montalban. The show also featured Ossie Davis, Alvin Ailey, and Adelaide Hall. Praised for Arlen and Harburg's rich score and Horne's enrapturing performance as Savannah, the show ran for over 550 performances. Consistently topping various "most likely to be revived" lists, the Paul Robeson Theater is proud to be producing the firs major New York revival of JAMAICA since its closed forty years ago.

For more information about D.O.C. log on to the website www.doc-online.org.


Contact:

Sophia Johnson

Email: info@doc-online.org

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