| PRESS RELEASE September 21, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Theresa Randleman T. ROSE Entertainment, LLC 517-410-6492 I Need A Man Hit Gospel Musical Detroit, Michigan - September 21, 2011 - One of the most emotional and uplifting musicals brought to the stage in years. Michael Matthews' I Need A Man returns to the touring scene with a premiere performance in Flint, MI on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Whiting Auditorium, 1241 East Kearsley (7:30pm). The production will then travel to Cincinnati, OH for a performance on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Taft Theatre (7:30pm). Matthews is known for his all-star casting; and this production warrants nothing less. The preliminary production will host original cast members: Alyson Williams (singer/actress) and Beverly Todd (actress), along with Margaret Avery (Shug, The Color Purple), Jackee' Harry (sitcoms Sister to Sister and 227), Reginald Ballard, (Bro-Man, sitcom Martin), gospel recording artists Jacky Clark (The Clark Sisters), Sean Thompson and Antwan Stanley; and E. J. Johnson of Enchantment. Matthews explains that he wanted to write a play that would make audiences laugh at the mistakes some people make when choosing someone to love, but he also want to show the seriousness of how important it is in choosing the right mate for marriage. At the age of 55, Momma Lily still wants to be 25; she has turned her back on her church upbringing. Lily's family loves her, even though she has turned on them; they refuse to give up on her, as they try to win her back for the Lord. And then there are her daughters who just want a man and will find out that everything that glitters is not gold. "Just cause he got on pants don't make him no man", states Grandma. Through a series of mishaps and loss of control towards her daughter; tables turn on Momma Lily and she realizes that the man she needs is the Lord. Matthews states, "I write about real things that people experience. Real people want real answers." I Need A Man tells them to trust in the Lord and all good things come from above. Playwright Michael Matthews has been entitled the Godfather of Black Gospel Stage Musicals. He did one of the first -- Wicked Ways in 1985 and has paved the way for many current playwrights today. Several promoters and producers say it was Matthews' shows that took the genre to a higher level of quality in story lines, musical production and acting talent. He made it a habit to recruit big names like Rance Allen (gospel artist), Debbi Morgan (actress, All My Children), Mary Mary (gospel artists), Melba Moore (singer/actress), Marla Gibbs (actress, 227) and many more. Matthews has been immensely successful, and has big plans for his productions starting with the rebirth of I Need A Man, and much more from his library of hit selling gospel touring productions. His level of accomplishment took years of effort -- but began with his simple belief: "I can do this." There is much more to come from Matthews in 2012, as his touring schedule will be revealed within weeks to come. Once again, the Godfather of gospel touring stage plays, Michael Matthews, is prepared to make a positive impact on the gospel tour scene and re-acquaint himself with thousands of people that are anxiously awaiting his return! Tickets are on sale at the Whiting Box Office: 810-237-7333 or log onto: www.thewhiting.com and the Taft Theatre: 513-232-6220 or log onto: www.tafttheatre.org. # # # For Media and Booking Information Contact: Theresa Randleman, CEO T. ROSE Entertainment, LLC trosellc@gmail.com * 517-410-6492 |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
I Need A Man, Hit Gospel Stage Play by Michael Matthews Saturday, October 15, 2011 #stageplay
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MICHAL MATTHEWS HAS to be one of the best playwrites out there . His storys are excellent and his music is always on point> cant wait till INEED A MAN gets to Atlanta
ReplyDeleterecomend this play to anyone who loves good story and excellent music
Barrett
I think this was the worst play I have ever seen...the title didnt have anything to do with the play...it was like the Writer was on ADHD....ALL over the place...and obviously the whole audience agreed with me because there were a lot of boooooo's at the end...my advice SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I would of saw your post b4 buying my tixx last night!!!
Deletelol yes...it was terrible
DeleteI Need A Man by Michael Matthews featured at Willett Hall in Portsmouth, VA was a true disappointment to say the least. First night was not a sale out, but it was a full house -- an anxious audience waited entertaining, but left the venue disappointed and demanding a refund. Unknown to the audience there were quite a few 'no shows' of the advertised cast members. Those who were there: Alyson Williams, Big Daddy Kane and Michael Matthews, Carl Anthony Payne & Jackee Harry. Mr. Matthews and the 'powers that be' did not find it necessary to inform the paying audience that they were sitting in on the dress rehearsal since half the cast had not arrived. This was a poor attempt of 'the show must go on' since it is hard to put on the show without the actors. As for the 'cameo appearance' of Jackee -- she was paid too much!
ReplyDeleteAs for the actors who did bother to show-up: Alyson Williams carried her own as Momma Lily hitting her cues and ad-libbing where necessary to add humor to the technical difficulties. Big Daddy Kane's roll as the blind man was okay, but he made his time count on stage by belting out a magnificent duet with one of the sisters who obviously was a stand-in because the theatre did not provide info on the stand-ins (Grove Baptist Church members and CoCo, radio host of 95.7 R&B).
In regards to the play: it was disappointing to see how the writer thought it necessary to write a piece that disgraced Black Women by portraying them as weak and desperate for a man; disrespecting them by attacking innocent old ladies, shaming them as to not having control over their household; humiliating them by not giving them the backbone to stand-up for themselves and totally disrespecting the majority of his audience. Since there was a bit of prayer, gospel singing in the skit I find it odd how the writer overlooked the scripture on 'honoring your mother so that your days on earth may be long' (Exodus 20:12).
Reliving the horrible fiasco is painful and I could have better spent my funds by purchasing gas for my vehicle. Word to the wise, purchasing a ticket to the play I Need A Man by Michael Matthews is like purchasing non-winning lotto tickets -- totally disappointing.
I AGREE 100% & YOU SHOULD GO ON FACEBOOK TO POST THIS EXACT SAME THING!!!
DeleteI WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SHOW LAST NIGHT AT THE WILLET HALL IN PORTSMOUTH, VA!!! START OF SHOW & INTERMISSION WAS EXTREMELY LATE, CAST MEMBER'S STALLED AT EVERY SCENE & DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING, NONE OF THE FAMOUS PEOPLE WERE THERE EXCEPT FOR TWO, SOUND SYSTEM WAS HORRIBLE, CAST MEMBERS WORE THE SAME OUTFIT IN ALL SCENES, THE FATHER & DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND WAS PLAYED BY THE SAME PERSON, & THE CAST WASN'T EVEN INTRDUCED AT THE END.... WHAT KIND OF FOOLERY WAS THIS??? FALSELY ADVERTISE TO GET PEOPLE'S MONEY & DON'T APOLOGIZE, ISSUE REFUNDS, OR GIVE OUT FREE TIXX TO A MORE ORGANIZED SHOW INCLUDING THE ENTIRE STAFF FOR AN UNHAPPY AUDIENCE??? DEFINATELY NOT RECOMMENDING THIS PLAY TO ANYONE!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree the play ended abruptly and in my opinion was gettho. Mr. Matthews has nothing on Tyler Perry perhaps he should take notes on how to write a real play.
ReplyDeleteI was going to see this play at Willett Hall tinight for my birthday. Last night when on TicketMaster to by tickets, I noticed not so good ratings from the show in Miami on March 24. I thought well certainly it must b better bc that was over a month ago. But the comments for the show here in the 757 mimmick those from Miami. CaSaundra ur review was exactly what they said but with far more substance. Your review was excellent and MsNewYork, I am so glad that you came back to write a review. I found both of yours very helpful and from such, I have made my decision. Saving money for gas and NEW EDITION SHOW!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me!! Microphones not working, missed lines, confusing story lines, and just plain boring. Talent from the one duaghter who did sing her heart out for her one song, and there was what 4 songs total for entire play? And Im really mad Ginuwine was a no show!! This play was very close to a zero. I give it 2 stars. Take this sorry play back to the drawing board-rewrite it and give it a realistic stroyline. Also, I was disappointed with the put downs and nasty references to female hygiene. This play is not worth my money, time, and effort to attend. Can I get a refund?
ReplyDeleteI am from Washington DC & I'm hear to tell you the play SUCK!!! #1 the audio system was terrible, #2 Ruben or Giniwine. was not in the building...fasle advertisement , #3 The play didn't make NO sense at all. The next time you come to DC please be trump tight!!!! Point Blank!!!!
ReplyDeletei went to the play at the Warner Theater in Washington DC on May 12th. the play was ok but i was very disappointed that Ginuwine, Big Daddy Cane, Rueben Studdard or Christopher Martin were no shows or was it false advertisement. that is very bad business. i will NOT be going to anymore plays by this man.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know how to get in touch with Michael Matthews or someone in his camp. This play was a VERY BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.
ReplyDeleteI called the Warner Theater requesting this information, but they no longer had a contact number for him.
I will NEVER support another play of his.