Diary of a Mad Black Woman (play)

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This is about the stage play. For its film adaptation, see Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Music Tyler Perry & Elvin Ross
Lyrics Tyler Perry & Elvin Ross
Book Tyler Perry
Productions 2000-2001

Diary of a Mad Black Woman is an American stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry, which opened in the spring of 2001. Diary of a Mad Black Woman follows the story of a devoted and loving wife of a prominent businessman, whose life unexpectedly takes a twist. It features music by Tyler Perry and Elvin D. Ross. The production starred Marva King, Tamela Mann and Tyler Perry.

The stage play was adapted into a motion picture by Lions Gate Entertainment and BET Pictures, and opened on February 25, 2005. The feature film version stars Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, Shemar Moore, Cicely Tyson, and Tyler Perry.

[edit] Synopsis

The husband, Charles, is a prominent businessman while Helen has been a devoted and loving wife. Over the years they have attained wealth. They live in a mansion far away from the inner-city. Helen is bursting with pride as she prepares for her 20th wedding anniversary. Little does Helen know, but her almost-perfect life is about to take a wild U-turn into unhappiness as Charles rises up and slaps her with the age-old assumption of man: He wants to divorce her for her best friend.

Struggling with this sudden change, Helen is forced to deal with these new and upsetting feelings. These issues send her into a comedic barrage of confrontations while she struggles with the feelings of anger, bitterness, jealousy, denial, revenge, and selfishness. Finally, Helen realizes that if she is to recover from the changes in her life, she must rely upon the strength of her faith, lifelong values and the compassion and forgiveness required to heal the hurt.

Throughout this production, Charles, exposing his own selfishness and misfortune, keeps the audience roaring with bursts of laughter as he sends Helen's life into a spin. Later, through a twist of fate, Charles suddenly becomes a victim of shooting by a disgruntled client. Helen, though fragile and angry, forces Charles to suffer and struggle, now that he realizes that he needs Helen more than ever before.

[edit] Cast

  • Tyler Perry - Madea / Daddy Charles
  • Marva King - Helen McCarter
  • Tamela Mann - Myrtle
  • Curtis Blake - Charles McCarter
  • Cordell Moore - Orlando
  • Tunja Robinson - Brenda
  • Ty London - Willie