Meet the Browns

Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3

Urban Theatre and "Meet the Browns"

Urban theatre in the United States is a powerful movement based on plays written by, for and about African-Americans. The roots of this genre can be traced back to early 19th century New York, when the shows were actually created, written and performed by Caucasians. Following the end of slavery, African-Americans performed and acted in their own musicals. William Wells Brown's “Escape” or “Leap for Freedom” was the first African-American play published in 1858.

The Harlem Renaissance in the 1920's and 1930's was a monumental point in the history of the movement. Black theatre groups sprung up in Chicago, New York City and Washington D.C. Garland Anderson's play “Appearances” was the first African-American written play to be produced on Broadway, but Langston Hughes' “Mullato” was the first urban theatre show to garner wide acclaim. After World War II, urban theatre grew more progressive and radical in nature, distinguishing itself from white culture and expressing the ideals of revolutionary times. Committees were formed to eliminate racial stereotypes in drama and integrate black playwrights into the mainstream American thespian circle. “Raisin in the Sun” and other successful plays of the 1950's depicted the difficulty of blacks maintaining a strong identity in a society that often excluded them.

As a result of civil rights struggles, a new urban theatre evolved in the 1960's which displayed more anger and defiance than its predecessors. Imamu Amiri Baraka was the most recognized playwright of the era detailing Caucasians' exploitation of African-Americans. Baraka's plays inspired others to harness a strong urban voice in American theatre.

Tyler Perry's personal story reflects a similar struggle to that of urban theatre. He has had a meteoric rise from life on the streets to modern day urban theatre stardom. “Meet the Browns,” the newest touring play on a long list of sell-out performances by Perry, will be performed in Austin next month. Perry wrote, directed and produced “Meet the Browns” though he does not appear in this particular performance. David (Mr. Brown) and Tamela Mann (Cora) are the stars of this comedy which focuses on a family grieving the loss of a loved one and figuring out funeral arrangements - a process that brings out the best and worst aspects of family love.

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.

Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns"
Starring David and Tamela Mann
Sunday Brunch - April 3, 1PM
Lone Star Room
Performance: 3PM
The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center

Come to Sunday Brunch and enjoy the music by our special guest, Margaret Wright. She will surely set your soul on fire! Afterwards, stroll on over to The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center for a grand performance of Tyler Perry's “Meet the Browns” starring David and Tamela Mann. Contact the Group Sales Department at 512/471-7744 to make your reservations today!

VIP Packages for Tyler Perry's “Meet the Browns” are $59.50 and include a performance ticket, brunch ticket, parking in the University of Texas Trinity parking garage (subject to space availability) and entrance through the Red River doors

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Orders are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Performance seats will be assigned when payment is received. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PAID IN FULL WHEN RESERVATIONS ARE MADE. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and check made payable to the University of Texas are acceptable methods of payment. There will be NO appearance by Tyler Perry or any cast members during the brunch.