Join the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) March 4-7, 2021, for the debut of the original play Let the Good Times Rolle: The Life and Legacy of Esther Rolle at 100. Held in celebration of Women’s History Month and as tribute to the many talents of Emmy Award-winning actor and Pompano Beach native Esther Rolle, this special drive-in, outdoor performance will be held at AARLCC, located at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282.
Born November 8, 1920, Rolle excelled on stage and screen and is best known for her role as matriarch Florida Evans on the 1970s sitcom Good Times. Commissioned by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Let the Good Times Rolle is directed Keith C. Wade, theatre professor at Florida Memorial University. Darius V. Daughtry, writer and founder/director of Art Prevails Project, is the assistant director of the play, which was written by playwrights Sarahca Peterson, founder of The Round Table Project, and Monique Williams, published author and performance poet.
The play will run with three evening shows, March 4th, 5th, and 6th, which begin at 7PM, and one matinee on Sunday, March 7th at 4PM. Let the Good Times Rolle is part biography, part local history and all things Esther! Portraying Esther at varying stages of her life are Ms. Christian Demerrit as Esther, Ms. Sheena O’ Murray as Lady, Ms. Chasity Hart as Madame and Miss. Sumaiyah E. Wade as Lil Girl.
This socially distanced drive-in event is free, but a $10 donation per car is requested. Donations support the Friends of African American Research Library and Cultural Center, and can be made in advance via Eventbrite.
This event is first-come, first-park, so arrive early to get the best parking spot view of the stage! Local food trucks will be on-premise providing refreshments for sale.
To learn more about developments with this project, follow @RollewithAARLCC on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or contact AARLCC Regional Manager Makiba Foster at mjfoster@broward.org or 954-357-6176.