MIAMI — 1n 1984 Michael Matthews wrote the hit gospel musical Wicked Ways, the beginning of a series of successful gospel musicals that included Don’t, Come out of the Rain, I Need a Man, Who Can You Trust, Sneaky, Fake Friends and Momma I’m Sorry. For more than 10 years those productions played to theater audiences around the country.
Matthews is back again with I Need a Man, coming to the James L. Knight Center in Miami, on Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 24 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
In I Need a Man, Momma Lily allows her four daughters to live with her as long as they live their lives in a way she approves. She detests anything to do with the church and the Christian faith. She is convinced that all of her daughters need men and that they won’t be able to find them in the church. Momma Lily is into partying and drugs and her enablers are her drug dealers. The only person Momma Lily can’t boss around is her father.
With promotional materials that proclaim “Executive Producer: Jesus Christ,” I Need a Man features Emmy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner Jackee Harry from the TV series Sister, Sister & 227, R&B recording artist and Soul Train Music Award winner Ginuwine, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard, gospel award-winning songstress Lisa Paige-Brooks, Big Daddy Kane, Peoples Choice Award winner and NAACP Award nominee Beverly Todd, Drew Sidora from BET TV’s The Game, R&B recording artist Alyson Williams, Christopher “Play” Martin from the movie House Party, and Comedian Pierre.
The Knight Center is at 400 S.E. Second Ave. Tickets may be purchased at the center box office, 305-416-7879, at Ticketmasters.com and outlets. Ticket prices range from $39.50 – $45.50, plus applicable service charge. For additional information and group sales call JEBA Enterprises at 305-835-0321, email Groups@jebapresents.com or visit jebapresents.com
After developing his skills in film and television production, playwright Matthews, considered by some the “God-Father” of gospel stage plays, developed a model widely used by producers of successful urban and gospel stage plays today.
The major influence in the lives of many entertainers, producers, playwrights, promoters now returns to the stage.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: I Need a Man
WHEN: Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 24 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
WHERE: James L. Knight Center, 400 S.E. Second Ave., Miami
COST: $39.50 – $45.50, plus applicable service charge
CONTACT: Knight Center box office, 305-416-7879, Ticketmasters.com, call JEBA Enterprises at 305-835-0321, email Groups@jebapresents.com or visit jebapresents.com
Photo: Courtesy OF tvonepress.com
Jackee Harry
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