his "Listen to Ya Mama'' play on Thursday and Friday.

The play, which was first presented last year has been rewritten and will be performed at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts from 8 p.m.

Directed by Royce-Ann Dill, it features 22-year-old Nadanja in three roles as a five, eight, and 18-year-old and six other cast members.

"Listen to Ya Mama'' takes a folksy look at the values mothers try to impart to their children.

"Mothers are pretty much right about everything,'' he said last week. "The play is just about how children just don't listen. I thought people would see something of themselves in this.'' He added: "I never used to listen to my mother. But in the end you look back and you say she meant well.'' Mr. Bailey is about to take a major step forward in his career when he travels to California on June 29 to tape a segment for Black Entertainment Television's Comic View.

"I'm excited about it. I've had butterflies in my stomach for the past few days,'' he said.

Somehow BET saw a video tape of one of his stand-up comedy routines and contacted him, later inviting him to perform.

When asked if he will change his material to suit an American audience, Mr.

Bailey said: "What I do is relevant to any group. Children, relationships, sex.

"I really don't have any Bermuda material.'' Tickets for Thursday and Friday's performances are available at the 27th Century Boutique, at $20 for adults and $10 for children.

BET here I come : Local comedian Nadanja Bailey presents his "Listen to Ya Mama'' on Thursday and Friday. He is also to begin taping a stand-up routine for BET's Comic View next week.