Tyler Perry introduces his new play “Madea’s Big Happy Family” to Tallahassee. Perry first kicked off his show January 2010 in El Paso, Texas and now is in Tallahassee.
This will be Perry twelfth stage play. The play was inspired by his own story and promises to bring music and entertainment. Like all of Perry’s plays, the recurring theme in “Madea’s Big Happy Family” emphasizes the importance of family and strives to leave audiences with a positive message.
Perry’s plays are aimed toward a predominately black audience, but address issues that families across the color spectrum commonly encounter. With a blend of comedy, drama and musical talent, Perry delivers an underlying message about family, hardships, love and the power of faith to overcome struggles.
“Madea’s Big Happy Family” has a cast filled with some familiar characters, but also a few new. The cast includes Cassi Davis, Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley, Chandra Currelley and Tamara Davis. Perry will play his signature character Madea, the hilarious and loud matriarch the audiences have grown to love.
Valencia Matthews, director of the theater department at FAMU, said people should get excited for Perry’s new production.
“Tyler Perry has a big following all across this country, and I think it’s great that he is coming to Tallahassee,” Matthews said.
“Tyler Perry knows what people like, and he’s building an audience here for theater for all of us. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Longtime Tyler Perry fan Alger Studstill Jr., a senior business administration student from Orlando, expects great things from Perry’s production.
“I’ve seen a stage play by him in Orlando before, and I’m excited to see this one,” Studstill said. “I feel that everyone can relate to his shows… I respect him as a person [and as] a businessman, but most of all a playwright.”
Ticket prices for “Madea’s Big Happy Family” range from $ 65.50- $75.75. For more information contact the Tallahassee Civic Center at 850.222.0400 or 850.322.3602.