cynthia_strachan_web.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE — Singer, songwriter and author Cynthia Strachan presents the debut of the stage play production Their Story is Our Story.


The musical play is based on the oral histories of Carver Ranches pioneers, written in Promises from the Palmetto Bush, the Genesis of Carver Ranches, which Strachan authored, about the racism encountered by that community’s early settlers, who included her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Performances are set for Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, and Saturday, April 21, 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of Praise Worship Center, 4035 S.W. 18th St., West Park.

Tickets are general admission, $15 in advance, $20 at door; seniors and students $10 in advance, $15 at door. Tickets are available at the AARLCC gift shop, and online at justsent.com. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of AARLCC. For more information call 305-343-9403 or 954-357-2810.

Jon Lucien, the producer of her debut CD, Love Glow, said “Cynthia has a voice of beauty that encompasses styles of the past, present and future, as well as (being) a wonderful songwriter.”

The native Floridian, known in the music world as Jus’ Cynthia, received formal training from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach. She credits her family for their musical influences.

October Road was the first of many professional bands with whom Jus’ Cynthia has performed. Beyond the U.S., she says, her road has taken her to places, people, and experiences worth singing and writing about, including the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, London, Italy, Paris, Switzerland, the Philippines and Thailand.

“Be educated, enlightened and entertained by this drama spiced with comedy,” said Strachan regarding Their Story is Our Story.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Their Story is Our Story musical stage play production
PERFORMANCE 1:
Saturday, April 14, 2 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
PERFORMANCE 2:
Saturday, April 21, 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of Praise Worship Center, 4035 S.W. 18th St., West Park.
CONTACT: 305-343-9403, 954-357-2810 or jussent.com

Photo: Cynthia Strachan