Many popular books and movies have made been converted into stage plays so fans can see the story told live on stage. Now the 90’s cult classic that hit the big screen and made household names of four fearless women will coming to a stage near you. SET IT OFF will be premiering in Atlanta from March 9th – 11th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and in Washington DC immediately after.
Je’Caryous Johnson presents SET IT OFF centers on four childhood friends who spent a lifetime struggling to move away from the mean streets of their neighborhood. The system stole their dreams and now the four are determined to steal them back. As one grapples with the possibility of losing her only child, the foursome find themselves on the edge of desperation. With their world in turmoil and their backs against the wall, they decide to seek their fortune – literally. Targeting the banks of Los Angeles (the bank robbery capital of the world), Cleo, Stony, Tisean and Frankie rob the city’s most vulnerable financial institutions. Flush with cash, they discover that mo’ money equals mo’ problems.
The stage adaptation of SET IT OFF is written, directed and produced by Je’Caryous Johnson. The original story boasted one of the most superb casts ever assembled in a movie – Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith and Kimberly Elise as well as an equally powerful, platinum selling, chart-topping, cut straight to heart musical soundtrack. Songs from hit makers like En Vogue, Brandy, Tamia, Bone, Thugs-n-Harmony, Busta Rhymes and Goodie Mob to legendary music icons like Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan were all featured on the SET IT OFF soundtrack. For its time and even today, the movie and music were a black culture phenomenon.
“Without a doubt, this will be one of the greatest stage plays ever seen in the urban theatre market,” stated Johnson. “From the type of action and to the movement on stage, it will be nothing short of jaw dropping. This will be the first piece of my career that will stretch me to the limits of what can be done and seen by our urban audience. I will be recreating the same intensity, same passion and same shock and awe, breathtaking moments that made this movie resonate with millions of people.”
As intense and moving as the story line was, it was also met with an equally marvelous cast and their chemistry. To keep intact the raw authenticity and penetrable moments displayed in the story, Johnson had to cast a major force in one of the leading iconic roles from the film. So, there was none other than multi-platinum selling rapper DA BRAT to fit the bill. She will be bringing to life the iconic role that Queen Latifah played in the original hit movie–Cleopatra “Cleo” Sims.
DA BRAT is undoubtedly one of the most lyrically laced and greatest female rappers of all time and the first female solo rapper to go platinum. From hit songs like “Funkdafied” to “Ladies’ Night (Not Tonight)” with Lil’ Kim, Left-Eye of TLC, Angie Martinez and Missy Elliott to the remix of Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and “What Chu Like” with Tyrese, Chicago raptress Shawntae Harris, better known as DA BRAT is one of the most successful, multi-faceted female entertainers today. From being the ultimate performer on stage to hosting a hit nationally syndicated talk show on the FOX Network, DISH NATION, a hit syndicated radio show “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” to even starring in and making guest appearances on numerous TV shows, FOX’s Empire, WE TV’s Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta, TV One’s Rickey Smiley For Real and Lifetime’s The Rap Game, DA BRAT’S star continues to shine bright and now she has set her sights on the theatrical stage.
“SET IT OFF is my FAVORITE movie of all time,” said DA BRAT. “When they were casting the film, I was with The William Morris Agency and got the opportunity to read for a role in the movie, but I didn’t get it. I found the script in my old trunk of things that I had accumulated over the years and said to myself ‘if I ever get a chance to be a part of a sequel, I would do it in a heartbeat.’ Then I ran into one of the producers of the play this past fall that saw me at my sister’s birthday party and told me about the stage version they were looking to mount, but only if I would be a part of it. I couldn’t let it get away from me twice and had to jump at the chance. Je’Caryous Johnson presents SET IT OFF is a dream come true for me and I’m honored to bring it to fans across the country.”
An unforgettable hit movie, iconic characters and an on the edge of your seat action-packed story-line makes Je’Caryous Johnson presents SET IT OFF the most highly anticipated stage play to hit urban theatre.
Tickets for SET IT OFF will go on sale Friday, February 2nd for Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC engagement which is scheduled for March 16th – 18th at the Warner Theatre in Downtown DC. For more information, go to jecaryous.com and purchase your tickets here.
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