“Life is like a play; it’s not the length but the excellence of the acting that matters,” are words attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca, and if he’s right then as the curtains open on 2010, expect to see some dazzling stars emerging from The Rock’s style set. We’re looking at the key players who are set to make this year quite a production! Dare we suggest Oscar buzz!!

Set Designers

Alison Antrobus

Design architect Alison Antrobus is one of the great minds behind Kingston’s newest hotel – The Spanish Court Hotel. Her work with the well-appointed hotel aside and her brilliant design work in North America 2010 might just be the year for Antrobus’s line of convertible handbags to really take centrestage .

Zuar Ard Jarrett

Young, bright architect Ard Jarrett continues to impress… what with the recent unveiling of the sophisticated-yet- far from intimidating Moët & Chandon Star Lounge at Fiction; the Avalon Pharmacy in Whitter Centre, Montego Bay, and the completion of four well-appointed private residences in Kingston and Montego Bay… we’re absolutely loving the transformations.

Marvin Hall

Last year, SO named Marvin Hall the ‘life transformer’ and indeed he is, since the Halls of Learning founder was recently named a TED Fellow for his work with inner-city youth — from Seaview Gardens, Tivoli Gardens and Riverton Meadows to name a few — whom he teaches to construct simple machines/robots and animation. What’s more, the robotics engineer has established the Lego Yuh Mind Jrs Club and plans to take a group of seven boys from his summer camp (staged in July) to the FIRST LEGO ® League in San Francisco, California on January 16.

Production

Mark Hart

Those not in the absolute know would perhaps wonder why affable MoBay businessman/Caribbean Producers co-director Mark Hart is listed among the production cast, so listen out for his film Rise Up to make waves in the industry. As a matter of fact it already has, since, it recently copped the American Film Industry/Discovery Channel Silver Doc award.

Ras Kassa

Ras Kassa has long been the preferred video director among The Rock’s dancehall A-listers, but The Guru is set to take things international with the riveting one-hour film on HIV shot in Trinidad for MTV/Viacom. His partnership with fellow artisan Ard Jarrett will be the springboard for other documentary, reality TV and feature film products.

Kimala ‘La La’ Bennett

As director of The Production Lab, Kimala ‘La La’ Bennett always has lots to do and her tasks this year are even more arduous, what with putting the finishing touches on her new self-help manuscript for entrepreneurs: Starting A Business in Jamaica; and her documentary Combing Through The Roots.

Jason ‘Jay Will’ Williams

His signature ‘Game Over’ might close his productions, but for this gifted film director the game is just beginning. He’s mum about the list of corporate commercials he’ll be busy with in 2010, but the man behind the lens has clearly got the dancehall/soca scene on lock. Look out for videos from St Lucian soca monarch Skinny Fabulous, Soca My Lou from Mr Vegas as well as two projects from Queen Ifrica.

Regina Beavers

Her studies in film and television production complete, Regina Beavers returned home from school in Florida to pursue her passion — life in front of and behind the lens. She’s poised to do big things at CVM later this year and we’ll be watching. The young host rang in the new year with a live broadcast from Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, and later this year she’ll unveil a new entertainment programme for the television station and will produce Jazz Fever and Flashback in anticipation of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival. The former Miss Jamaica has also initiated talks with her fellow past queens with the aim of organising a charity fund in aid of the less fortunate.

The philanthropic efforts, Beavers says, of stars and athletes are worth emulating. She’s also got big plans to publish a series of short stories for children.

College Lifestyle

The College Lifestyle team (from left) of Aldain Reid, Keneea Linton, Christina Benjamin, and Mykal Kushnie will be behind the scenes this year ensuring (via TV and print) that we have the most interesting stories straight from ‘yaad’. The jury is still out as to the actual impact they’ll have but we’re loving their unmitigated gall!

Hair and Make-up

Marie-Simone ‘Sima’ Hall-Smith

Building on the legacy started by her late mum Elima Hall two decades ago, The Face Place boss Marie-Simone Hall-Smith, aka ‘Sima’, is steadily growing the company. In 2009 the beauty therapy institute was awarded Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) status from the NCTVET and accredited training centre status from City and Guilds, giving its students the opportunity to have qualifications based on national as well as international standards. In 2010 The Face Place will be offering community-based sessions that will facilitate training for inner-city youth as well as the visually impaired in beauty therapy programmes designed to make those individuals more marketable and provide them with greater skill sets for employment. The Face Place will also be offering specialised units in complimentary beauty therapy services such as seated or chair massage, ear piercing, threading, eyelash and eyebrow enhancement. There is too, a partnership with Nova Southeastern University, which will see students gaining knowledge in data entry and retrieval computer programs.

Also, in 2010 The Face Place Salon will be launching its ageless beauty line for 30-something and over women who know the value of taking good care of themselves! Twenty-four Karat Gold facials, cosmeseutical tanning, LED cold light treatments were some of the new additions for 2009. In 2010 product diversity may include their own natural mineral resources such as Milk River mud used in clinical trials. Beauty as you might have just realised is definitely pore deep!

Melody Aarons

Hair stylist to some of Kingston’s most discerning city chicsters, Melody in 2010, we’re sure, will continue to cut, colour and coif to perfection. We’re hoping she’ll spend more time teaching locally too although the calls from overseas are getting increasingly louder.

Adolph Raynor

The go-to guy when it comes to getting a good cut, Adolph’s salon – located inside the Jamaica Pegasus – continues to enjoy popularity among those ladies looking for head-turning styles… and we’re guessing things shouldn’t change this year. Now if only we could get him to open even one Saturday a month for 2010.

Roxanne Shields

The proverbial new kid on the block, Roxanne in 2009 has become one of the city’s most in-demand hair stylist and colourist.All eyes are on this Mandeville import to see if she can truly keep the momentum going.

Racquel Jenkins

To say that aesthetician Racquel Jenkins is industrious is putting it mildly… she’s always innovating, changing and bringing us the latest international standards.

Carolyn Yapp

Reigning Miss Jamaica Universe Carolyn Yapp knows a thing or two about beauty… little wonder she’s prepping to open her one-stop beauty and testing store Lynorac in Barbican Mall in time for Valentine’s day. Her credo is pretty simple too, “Be more beautiful for 2010.

Costume and Wardrobe

Kerry-Ann Clarke

Kerry-Ann Clarke’s Kerry manwomanhome endures as one of Kingston’s — and indeed, Montego Bay’s — choicest retail oases… it’s almost second nature to stop by and pick a chic little number, and 2010 will only mean more opportunities for haute social bystanding.

Sophia MaxBrown

The lovely Sophia MaxBrown continues to reign supreme when it comes to styling today’s man and draping gorgeous women. After a peek at her 2010 business plan the Rock will look decisively more stylish.

Carlton Brown

Local menswear designer Carlton Brown took things international in 2009 when he appeared on the runways of LG Fashionweek in Toronto, Canada last March. He continues to dress our brightest stars… let’s see, shall we, if all remains dapper in 2010.

Cezar Cunningham

Easy crooner Cezar Cunningham has built his image on paperboy hats, funky waistcoats and a kind of hippy-suave appeal. His decision to open a boutique this month, Base Kingston to be exact, has us dying to see what he’ll have to offer to ‘city misters’ across the capital.

Jennifer Azan

Jennifer Azan’s Manor Park boutique opened with a bang in ’09 offering trendy, chic styles for the sophisticated yet edgy femme. With that infectious smile and exceptional ccustomer service there’s no doubt in our minds that retail therapy will continue to get that much better for 2010.

Poshe

Designer-in-the-making Camesha ‘Poshe’ Powell’s pieces have not only been on the runway of Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) but have now occupied retail space in Stanley & Empress boutique. Let’s see shall we how her designs fare for 2010 shall we.

Rachel Scott

The Rock has another reason to smile since our girl Rachel Scott landed a job at top design house J Mendel.

Michelle Jackson

Big things are set to happen for Boy O Boy boss Michelle Jackson, who, just last November, unveiled premium children’s clothing lines to be carried in her haute space.

Lisa-Gaye Chin

Foot Candy boutique owner Lisa-Gaye Chin continues to be the preferred shoe and accessories store for the city’s ‘well-heeled’. What’s more, she’s got lots of influence among her peers… think mobilising the Upper Manor Park Plaza set for Fashion’s Night Out, participating in Michelle Jackson’s recent Boy O Boy fashion show and setting the tone for what we step out in. Expect more from this sassy shoe queen this year.

Yahdie Conscious

Design duo Jaye-Ann O’Connor (left) and Jami Spence have sought to represent Generation Next with an eclectic mix of pop-funk and edgy fashions. Their recently launched line Glam Rocksteady ‘n’ Dancehall Circus, now available at Stanley & Empress boutique, not only captures the essence of youth, but is also a step in the right direction for the young entrepreneurs.

Choreography

Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung and Carlos MaxBrown

Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung (left) — with sidekick Sean Lyn (right) — we’re sure will continue to keep us moving in 2010 by way of the Quad. Not to be outdone, his industry mate Carlos MaxBrown’s Carlos Café will continue to be an entertaining spot come night time.

Timothy Blake

Timothy Blake, managing director of New Kingston’s newest addition, Privilege Nightclub, we’re guessing should heat things up a little bit… still early days yet, but who knows?

Score

Peter Ashbourne

Peter Ashbourne is the consummate musician, he continues to mould and develop the careers of many of The Rock’s most talented artistes. There is too, his weekly gig as the man behind the music on Digicel Rising Stars. In 2010 he’ll be working with a number of top acts and continuing to influence the way we listen.

Steven Woodham

‘Gifted’ is a word that aptly sums up musician Steven Woodham. Fact is he’s a gentleman with amazing grace and humility. He’ll be jetting off to South Africa this month to be an international judge at the UNISA Violin Competition, while February will catch him taking the Immaculate Conception High School orchestra to Cayman for the Caymanian Arts Festival. Of note too are the several singing competitions which he’ll take advantage of later in the year.

ZJ Bambino

Steadily becoming the ruler of morning radio, ZJ Bambino, no doubt, will continue to spin the hot tracks well into the year. He’s developed quite a following on Zip 103 FM and among those who step out to the best parties.

Chorus Line

Shaggy

Philanthropy seems to be Shaggy’s forte, but watch him continue to celebrate recording success in 2010 while mobilising an industry and indeed a nation to give.

Sean Paul

International recording star Sean Paul’s newest release Imperial Blaze has some sizzling tracks… look out for even more steamy videos and singles in 2010. Perhaps SP can get Mo’Nique to check out the Rock as his special guest this time and we certainly wouldn’t say no to Lenny Kravitz either.

Michael Sean Harris

When Michael Sean Harris is not coordinating the vocals on Digicel Rising Stars, you can catch him at the Edna Manley School of Music where he tutors. This year, he shares, is going to be a big year for him, what with the World Music aficionado set to record his album (still untitled) with Peter Ashbourne, C# Sharp’s Chevaughn Clayton et al.

Chino

He might be the son of famous reggae crooner Freddie McGregor, but Chino over the last year has caused us to pause and listen. Something tells us that dancehall’s Generation Next has something to say and will be ready to say it all in 2010.

TNT

The girl-power trio of dancehall young’uns Timberlee (left), Natalie Storm (centre) and Tifa are testament to the idea of ambitious women who help out each other’s careers. There was that hot mixtape of ’09, Timberlee’s Sexy In My Heels and Tifa’s breakout single Spell It Out… we’re listening out for what will come in 2010.

Makeida

Singer Makeida Beckford has certainly created a name for herself with Jamaican Boy and Hot It Up. Let’s see if she can transcend her club-banging singles and find mainstream success.

Sets

Star Lounge

Nightlife keeps getting better in the city, and one of SO’s favourite party spots recently got an upgrade. Finally, the ‘Coming Soon’ signs have given way to The Moët & Chandon Star Lounge, the latest addition to Fiction nightclub. The Star Lounge greets you with calming breezes, a curved wall of wood, and modern feminine art that harks back to the ’60s and was designed by director and design architect Zuar Ard Jarrett.

Studio 38

Where can model aspirants, super models, entrepreneurs and ‘locals’ brush shoulders while enjoying drinks and music? Why Studio 3 of course! The new social hot spot seems to be a buzz of excitement since Pulse Investment CEO Kingsley Cooper opened the fab locale. And we’re sooooo looking forward to the staging of those great shows once again.

Bin 26

Sit back, relax and sip on the assortment of wines at Bin 26 located in the historical Devon House courtyard. The wine bar has definitely helped to improve the social profile of the Great House. The new space is oh so perfect for novices and wine connoisseurs alike who enjoy an easy evening.

Lead Roles

Arnella Chin is operations manager of her father’s company Track Price, but don’t let her pint-size fool you; she’s one tough cookie (hark back to last summer when she copped our Breakthrough Style Award). She also has a hand in showing the style set how to party at the biannual A-List. For the year, she says, there’ll be renewed emphasis on the customers and giving them value for money.

Chris Blackwell and Lenny Chen

We can’t say just yet what these two are up to, but major negotiations are in the works for music mogul-hotelier Chris Blackwell and Jamaica Boxing Board insider Lenny Chen. Dare we whisper the name Lennox Lewis too!!

Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones

Vice-president of the Jamaica Boxing Board Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones and his team will reintroduce dinner boxing to The Rock as well as several matches to be staged at unconventional venues like Barbican Beach Field in Kingston and MoBay’s Pier One, which will host a fight on January 16.

Usain Bolt

No lead cast will be complete without the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, who gave The Rock a reason to smile again. Bolt blazed the athletic tracks in Berlin during the IAAF World Championships and had people across the globe lapping up his theatrics and dance moves. SO hopes that he continues to blaze the asphalt and ‘Boltmania’ will continue in 2010. ‘To de Worl’!

Fantastic Four

Leading the way in business this year, this quartet, dubbed ‘The Fantastic Four’ (from left) Chris Williams, Peter Bunting, Mark Golding and Gary Sinclair, is set to take over the financial sector in 2010 with their brand Proven Investments Limited.

Rosina Casserly

The former Miss Jamaica World pageant beauty queen is the perfect balance of beauty and brains and has her goals set on graduate studies and leaving her stamp on the education sector on the Rock. The final-year philosophy student at the University of the West Indies was awarded the Department Award for Philosophy and the Dean’s Award for Excellence.

Safiya Burton-Chisholm

A few years ago financier Safiya Burton (then unmarried) left her job in New York to set up a patisserie in Jamaica that created waves as throngs lined up for her sweet treats. After opening two locations and a likely third, this queen of sweet has left her mark and is set for big things in 2010.

Shikima Hinds and Carmel Legros

Shikima Hinds and Carmel Legros are set to change the face of the wedding industry on the Rock with their on-line wedding destination resource, Island Bride Jamaica. The results are already the stuff celebs yearn for.

Oraine Barrett

Also leading the cast is Pulse supermodel Oraine Barrett, the new face of the campaign for Grand Optical in the US and Europe. Barrett jetted to Paris for the shoot where his muscular physique was decked in platinum.

Christelle Harris

First runner-up in the Miss Jamaica World 2006, Christelle Harris opened her heart to the less fortunate two years ago when she hosted her 25th birthday party and asked that guests donate cash instead of presents with an aim to provide much-need machinery for the sick children of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. The young philanthropist’s enthusiasm has not waned as was witnessed recently when guests were asked to join her and the rest of the Hussey family in a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party with 100% proceeds going to the following schools in Trelawny: St Michael’s Basic School, Dumfries Basic School and Cedric Titus High School.

Krystal Chong

The lovely Krystal Chong is back on The Rock — and ready to step things up at her family’s bakery enterprise Honey Bun — after studying at the International School of Management in Paris, where she pursued an MBA.

Mark Croskery

Stocks & Securities (SSL) president and CEO Mark Croskery has become one of the most bullish financiers of our time, especially as it relates to Junior Market and the Caribbean Exchange Network (CXN), both initiatives of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). And in what many are calling The Rock’s most challenging year ye t (IMF, the new tax levy and the ever declining dollar), it’s going to be interesting to see how this MIT (mogul in training) influences his industry and those that watch it closely. Croskery shares this with SO: For 2010 align for the rebound though, 2011 will be too late for this. The smart money entrepreneurs commenced in 09, so do not squander in 2010. Where efficiences can be realised in your business, do so and take advantage of any synergies/value opportunities where available”. Now you see why he’s our 2010 money guru.