Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is planning to get dolled up as Madea a whole lot next year.
The 40-year-old filmmaker recently announced that he's launching a new touring play, called 'Madea's Big Happy Family,' on Jan. 5 in Denver.
"Madea is officially going on tour! That's right, a Madea play, live on tour! I have managed to carve out about a year to go on the road and see you all again," Perry announced via an e-mail to fans.
Perry, who was just named one of Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People of 2009," last toured in his production of 'Madea Goes to Jail' in 2
005. That play was adapted into a motion picture that was released four years later and grossed $41 million during its opening weekend.
"It's been five years since I've been on the road, and the timing just happened to fall right into place. I needed to get away from Hollywood for a second...clear my head. There is no better way to do that than to come out and see your faces and be reminded of where this all started," Perry wrote.
'Madea's Big Happy Family' is scheduled to run until May 9 in Detroit, though Perry was clear: "More cities will be added as we go."
For a detailed play itinerary, go to www.tylerperry.com.
*****
For related stories, read 'Endless Love: Tyler Perry Still Stalking Diana Ross'
& 'Madea Takes Manhattan: Tyler Perry's Big Apple Premiere.'
In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit'lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit'lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.
Tyler Perry
The best-selling playwright turned Hollywood hot-shot (real name: Emmitt R. Perry, Jr.) was born Sept. 14, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ray Nagin
Another New Orleans native, Ray Nagin, Jr. was elected into the office of Mayor of the Crescent City on March 6, 2002.
Labelle
Known as the music capitol of the Gulf Coast, New Orleans was also the setting for 'Lady Marmalade,' a hit song from 1970s glam-soul trio Labelle, comprised of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash.
Lenny Kravitz
Modern day rock & roll demigod Lenny Kravitz is one of the top-notch talents chosen to produce Labelle's long-awaited reunion album, 'Back to Now,' due out later this year via Verve Records.
Lisa Bonet
'The Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' star Lisa Bonet eloped with Lenny Kravitz in November 1987. Their daughter Zoe Isaballe Kravitz was born the next year. The couple separated in 1991.
Gary Dourdan
'C.S.I.' actor Gary Dourdan played Cree Summer's character's love interest Shazza Zulu on the NBC sitcom 'A Different World,' which was originally developed as a spin-off vehicle for Lisa Bonet. The Philadelphia native appeared on 13 episodes from 1991 to 1992.
Janet Jackson
Gary Dourdan also played the love interest of Janet Jackson in the music video for her chart-topping ballad, 'Again,' in 1993.
Tyler Perry
Janet Jackson starred in the lead role of Tyler Perry's box office smash, 'Why Did I Get Married?' The twice divorced pop star won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.
Ruben Cannon
One of the most respected executives in Hollywood, Ruben Cannon has served as a casting director of film and TV projects dating all the way back to 1977. He co-executive produced Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'
Comments: (13)
Add a comment
By: tifany on 12/07/2009 5:27PM
I think a tour is great! The plays are so much better than the movies to me so..... Go tyler!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Vivian on 12/07/2009 8:37PM
This will probably be the last time that he will do a Madea play. Unfortunately, his tour isn't coming anywhere near where I live. I hope Tyler does not burn himself out. He has a lot irons in the fire!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: meanvee on 12/08/2009 2:05PM
I'll definitely be looking forward to seeing his new play.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Jewel on 12/10/2009 8:58AM
I agree that the plays are much better than the movies. Contrary to the uproar about Tyler Perry bringing the black community down and all, a diverse arrary of black folks appreciate the comic relief the live performances bring. I've attended with doctors, master social workers, and other professionals. We left his live show uplifted with a belly-full of laughs and a lesson learned or reinforced about human relationships.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Carrie Green on 12/10/2009 9:22AM
sorry for the lost of your mother my pray is with you love you.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Mary McGee on 12/10/2009 9:34AM
Tyler I would love seeing you in life ..I just love your movies ..Anyway I think you are the best we have had in a long time so don't let all those's who don't have anything else going on in there lives try too slow you down ..My mother loves you You bring so much joy into her life bein that she is in her late 80ies & sickly..Here in the south we just love you ...Much Love
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Sus7637 on 12/10/2009 11:57AM
Madea Madea Madea!!! When is this so-called director ever going to show the intelligent side of many black ppl and change up his movie and play game. he's too stuck on this Madea tired ole crap"
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: betty on 12/10/2009 2:05PM
madea will never be tired. how creative are you?could you do better?
Report This
By: Mrs, Wanda Butler on 12/10/2009 7:44PM
Soundds like you might have a littler HATORISIUM, in your Words, Don't hate , Apreciate and congradualate!
Report This
By: Shirley on 12/10/2009 9:26PM
I am soooo sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my mom in the 80's around mothers day. Mothers day is sad but Christmas is soo sad I can hardly bare it. She loved christmas... May God Bless you and yours. Keep in mind we are only here to serve God. And you do that so well. I love you and Madea.
If you need me e-mail me.. I would be more that glad to talk to you.
Reply to this Comment | Report This