Brian McKnight (left) poses with fan Jen Laing. Photo by Leon Laing.
With his plays, such as Cheaper to Keep to Keep Her, Je’Caryous Johnson could be the next Tyler Perry. Johnson’s production offered A-list entertainers, not to mention an attention-grabbing storyline. Johnson held the play in Harrisburg on Oct. 28. Cheaper to Keep to Keep Her runs from Nov. 9 to Nov. 14 in Philadelphia.
You can also credit Brian McKnight’s robust vocals and live music for the play’s success. The cast covered topics from religion to pop culture (Facebook, Beyoncé, Stanky Leg, etc.). Fashionista/cougar Vivica A. Fox impressed the audience with her with outfits. Some of her wardrobe included animal print Louis Vuitton shoes. Local celebrities, such as rapper Big Skeem, Harlem Globetrotters star Chris Franklin and DJ Exel, were in the house.
R&B crooner/songwriter McKnight and actress Fox stars in Cheaper to Keep to Keep Her. The play also includes Christian Keyes (Madea Goes to Jail), Jonathan Slocumb, Gary “G-Thang” Johnson and Karen Malina White (The Cosby Show and A Different World).
The play is based on the divorce of Raymond Mays (McKnight) and Morgan Mays (Fox). When Morgan walks away with everything, Raymond schemes to stop paying alimony by getting her married. The plot thickens when Raymond notices that he may still love Morgan.
“Life can be negative, and art oftentimes imitates life,” Johnson said. My approach, however, is to change life through art. Art is a mirror for life and a rehearsal for change.”
Johnson jokingly advocates dark-skinned brothas. Photo by Leon Laing.
Melina-White's role gives the play comedy relief. Photo by Leon Laing.
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What type of sweater was Reynolds wearing in the doctor office scence. The gray and red cardigan. I must have it! Thanks so much
What type of sweater was Reynolds wearing in the doctor office scene???The gray and red cardigan. I must have it! Thanks so much