Tyler Perry’s got considerable competition in the one–man theater juggernaut category. Consider JD Lawrence, a writer, actor, comedian and director whose latest play, the “dramedy” The Clean Up Woman, has been touring the country to glowing reviews.
The Clean Up Woman will visit the Johnny Mercer Theatre Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Lawrence (www.jdlawrencepresents.com) plays seven characters in the show, including a Hindu cab driver, a 75–year–old white man, a rapper, and a stylist.
And the stars? Well, there’s Jackee Harry (227, Sister Sister, Everybody Hates Chris), and Telma Hopkins (Family Matters, Half & Half).
Hopkins trivia: She began her career as a singer and studio vocalist; that’s her saying “Shut your mouth!” to Isaac Hayes on the classic “Theme From Shaft”; it doesn’t help with her “urban cred,” but she was a longtime member of Tony Orlando & Dawn (“Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree,” y’all?)
The Clean Up Woman, the highest grossing stage play since 1977 at the renowned Arts and Letters in Dallas, tells the story of high–paid businesswoman Terri Adams, who’s neglecting her domestic life – and hires a maid. Things don’t go quite Terri’s way.
The thing is, her husband is played by hunky Christopher Williams, the one–time singing star who had a hit with “I’m Dreaming,” from New Jack City, in which he had a co–starring role.
For those who care about such things, Williams was also Halle Berry’s boyfriend for a couple of years.
The Clean Up Woman starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 20; tickets are $27.50 and $37.50, at www.etix.com.
New Film Festival
The Savannah Gay & Lesbian Film Society’s first–ever film festival has been announced for Oct. 23 and 24, at the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Little Theatre of Savannah.
Along with a cross–section of internationally known and well–awarded films, the event will feature an appearance by writer and director David Oliveras, whose Watercolors (screening on the 24th) was named Outstanding First Dramatic Feature at the Los Angeles Outfest.
Watercolors, the story of an artist struggling with the painful memories of his lover’s suicide, also earned Oliveras the Best Director award at the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
lso in attendance: Singer/songwriter Joshua Klipp, whose videos will be screened on the 24th. Klipp, who is transgendered, went ahead with the procedure despite medical warnings that it could interfere with his singing voice.
His song “Little Girl” made history in by using both his pre– and post–transition vocals.
Klipp will show his music videos “L1FE” and “Tell Me,” and perform at the opening night party at Club One.
Among the features on the bill: H.P. Hendoza’s musical autobiography Fruit Fly (Mendoza was the 2009 Rising Star Award winner at QFest), and the comedy Drool by Nancy Kissam, who won a Slamdance Screenwriting Award for the film.
The features and shorts (Friday, Oct. 23 at the Jepson; Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Little Theatre) come packaged several ways – you can buy a festival pass, tickets for individual days or screenings, or tickets that include post–screening receptions.
For the full screening schedule and ticket information, see www.sglfs.com. CS
