It's a Family Affair

Black playwright reprises to-die-for character

Nothing says “holiday season” quite like an African-American, pistol-toting gramma with attitude. Or so says Tyler Perry, who’s taken his fictional matriarch, Madea, on the road for the first time in five years.

The 40-year-old playwright and filmmaker is reprising the character – whose full name is Mabel Simmons and who has appeared in much of Perry’s work for both stage and screen – in a new stage play called Madea’s Big Happy Family. Fans of Perry, who plays Mabel in drag, are so excited she’s back that they’ve launched petition campaigns, pleading that Perry add their cities to his already long list of tour dates. (The last Perry play to feature Madea in a leading role was Madea Goes to Jail

Madea will make her local appearance at the Dodge Theatre. Tell them Flip Wilson sent you.


Tue., Jan. 5, 8 p.m., 2010
 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 
©2013 Phoenix New Times, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Phoenix

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city