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Native New Orleanian, Perry Miller (aka Master P) who made his fortune as a rap artist and Founder and CEO of No Limits Records is now capitalizing on the “Madea” phenomenon with “the first Hip Hop gospel stage play.” His first effort, Uncle Willy’s Family Tragedy, is a comedy based on the serious repercussions of Hurricane Katrina which debuts in Meridien, MS on September 6.
The story captures a typical American family that has been uprooted by the storm. Uncle Willy, a Vietnam vet who already lived with his niece Jackie and her son Chris (Romeo), is obliged to take in a full house of kinfolks—even the ones he doesn’t like. Complete with music performed by a gospel choirs and Hip Hop gospel artists Uncle Willy’s message is to “put God first and use hard times as an opportunity to grow.”
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. The astute businessman (who was recognized in Forbes as one of the wealithiest under forty) is clearly using the same eight ball, comedy-meets-inspiration mix that worked for fellow “Big Easy” native, Tyler Perry. The vibe on the Web site is so uncannily similar to one Mabel Simmons that Perry himself should be blushing all the way to the bank.
P keeps the cash in the family starring in the production with his rapper son Romeo and brother Silk the Shocker.
Although this role places P in the theater, he has appeared in front of the camera on numerous occasions, in movies he self financed and produced such as “I Got the Hook Up (Holla If You Hear Me) and most recently in Dancing With the Stars and The Romeo Show.
Comedian Terry Miles landed the lead role as Uncle Willy and will share the stage with Marilyn Harris, Percy Anthony Smith, Iovanna, Erica Pitts and others. According to Master P. the play, which includes a gospel choir, offers country humor and inspiration. The play will hit theaters in Meridian, Jackson and Greenwood Mississippi and make a stop in Beaumont, Texas. Additional dates are reportedly being added in New Orleans, Houston, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
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