Meet the Browns

Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3

Tyler Perry - His Story

Tyler Perry will be bringing another play to Austin this April. This playwright, director, producer and actor has created an amazing life story in his mere thirty-five years, going from homelessness to unbelievable success within the span of only six years. He has already had not one, but seven shows successfully tour the nation.

In 1992, the New Orleans native wrote a series of letters to himself that would eventually become his first hit musical, "I Know I've Been Changed," about adult survivors of child abuse. He saved enough money to take the show to Atlanta, but it brought little interest, and in effect little money. It didn’t show again for the next six years, but in 1998, taking a leap of faith, Perry decided to do one last show at the House of Blues in Atlanta. It sold out an amazing eight times over. His success continued to increase after that, while his plays created a newfound respect for urban theatre. His success earned him an appearance on Oprah where he spoke about discovering his passion and taking responsibility for his life.

Since the release of “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” Perry has written, directed and produced “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”, “Why Did I Get Married”, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, “Madea’s Family Reunion”, “Madea’s Class Reunion”, “Meet the Browns” and “Madea Goes to Jail.” He also starred in the majority of these. His plays have sold out in markets like New York, Chicago, D.C., Memphis, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Dallas.

This story of rags to riches doesn’t end on the stage. He has also brought “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” to film. It was released in Austin theaters February 25th. The story focuses on a couple whose seemingly perfect, wealthy life together begins to crumble when the husband announces there’s another woman. Perry stars as the wife’s pot-smoking, gun-toting, and much beloved grandmother figure, Madea, a character portrayed in many of his plays.

Perry’s plays bring a mix of drama and comedy to tell stories that emphasize the importance of family and faith, using casts of colorful and sometimes familiar characters. “Meet The Browns” stars David and Tamela Mann who have both been in previous Perry productions. The story of the Browns opens with the death of the eldest Brown, and the gathering of numerous family members is just the beginning of the drama. Real life issues and emotions flare as the laughs continue.

This will be the third time Perry has brought a play to The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center. “Madea’s Class Reunion” and “Why Did I Get Married” were both performed in 2004.

Tickets for Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” starring David and Tamela Mann at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center, Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Ticket prices and show times: $35.50 for Saturday’s 3PM performance, $39.50 for Saturday’s 8PM performance & $35.50 for Sunday’s 3PM performance. THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNT IS AVAILABLE. NO DOUBLE DISCOUNTS: $3 off groups of 20 or more for all performances, except Saturday’s 8PM performance. Groups should call the Group Sales Department at 512/471-7744. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com.