Jan 16th – 17th, 2010
Oakland CA
Paramont Theatre (Oakland)
Amazingly, Tyler Perry has built a solid portfolio of stage productions over the past 12 years. Tyler Perry’s “Laugh to Keep from Crying” will surely bring much needed laughter with all the challenges we face today. This 11th production touches the depths of our souls and has a lot of great poignant moments. It explores confusion versus an illustration of courage. A cast of veterans from former Tyler Perry productions will provide you with a clear perception to manage your own situations but on a lighter scale.
The story line is based on life’s struggles in the heart of the neighborhood. With his multi-diversed cast, the production focuses on how to raise and understand teenagers in a society that is out of control; how does one understand and protect young people; how do you manage to keep a roof over your head when you lose your job and your retirement; where do you find a bed of roses when there is so much pain? Floyd the landlord and neighborhood “flirt” has the last word for everyone, “where’s my rent?” Carol, a single mother, and her 2 teenage children, Lisa and Tony manage to see life in totally opposite directions church and the streets! Anna and Peter are newlyweds but Anna’s high-society mom Jane doesn’t approve of Peter being from the other side of the tracks. The widow Belinda finds herself in a predicament of unemployment with no retirement but still has words of encouragement for others. And lastly, Neicey when Neicey wears her red dress, watch out! She is not the girl to bring home to meet the family. Neicey knows how to get her rent paid. Withstanding all, the neighborhood comes together with hope, redemption and a good time!
This latest production allows you to look beneath the surface to develop and maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos and heartache. As all of Mr. Perry’s stage productions have been in the past, this entertaining experience is full of great laughter, tremendous high quality singing and inspiration. As they say during difficult times, you have to “Laugh To Keep From Crying”!
When you leave the theatre, you’ll say I laughed, I cried, I was inspired and I learned!
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