Monday, July 19, 2010

Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family"



Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” is hitting the road again. The first leg of the tour was a tremendous success and Madea and her family are embarking on another leg starting in September 2010 in cities nationwide including New York, Washington D.C, Miami, New Orleans and Houston. The show co-stars Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley and Chandra Currelly, and comes to Van Andel Arena on Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 PM.

Inspired by his own story, Perry has created his 12th stage play. The live stage production of “Madea’s Big Happy Family” brings entertainment and music telling the stories of the real life situations we all encounter in our own families. It delivers powerful messages of love, hope and immense expectations from beyond through Perry’s signature style which blends hilarious comedy and emotional tears. It is filled with great singing, great acting and of course takes us back to where it all began with the one and only Madea, who is in rare form.

The production consists of 14 cast members, state of the art lighting and staging, two video screens and a 12-piece orchestra band that includes three backup singers.

Tyler Perry, starring as Madea, has a cast of familiar and new characters. Cassi Davis (Aunt Bam) is Ella from House of Payne. Cassi is a two-time nominated NAACP Image Award and a 2010 winner! Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley (Joyce) and Chandra Currelley (Shirley), both stellar R&B artists, have been in several of Mr. Perry’s plays and movies; Palmer Williams, Jr. (Uncle Monroe) from House of Payne and other previous productions; Tamar Davis (Kimberly) and Crystal Collins (Tammy) both from previous productions as well. Two new members of the cast, Jeffery Lewis (Byron) and Zuri Craig (Donnie) were discovered on YouTube!

Starting in September, Madea’s Big Happy Family will tour various cities, filling up major arenas where typically multi-platinum selling rock, pop & R&B concerts perform. Look for this mega production to bring pure entertainment that transcends all ages and cultures to your city! Don’t miss this extraordinary and electrifying stageplay. For more information, visit the website: tylerperry.com.

Tickets ($57.50 & $67.50) go on sale Friday, July 23rd at 10:00 AM, and will be available at the Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster ticket centers including D&W Stores and select Family Fare locations, charge by phone: 1.800.745.3000 or on-line: ticketmaster.com. Groups of 20 or more save $5 per ticket. For group tickets, call 616.742.6185, e-mail groupsales@smggr.com or order on-line at vanandelarena.com/groupsales.