Award-winning writer, director and producer Je’Caryous Johnson premiers his latest stage play, Things Your Man Won’t Do, in a limited engagement tour which starts on February 27 at the Detroit Opera House. Things Your Man Won’t Do stars Hollywood hitmakers Tichina Arnold, Leon Robinson, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Brian White.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with the incredibly gifted Leon Robinson. Having seamlessly transformed into some of musical history’s most unforgettable entertainers, including Little Richard and David Ruffin, Leon’s talent and charisma are undeniable. His starring roles in some of black cinema’s most beloved movies/miniseries such as Colors, The Women of Brewster Place, The Five Heartbeats, Cool Runnings, Above the Rim, Waiting to Exhale and The Little Richard Story have made him a household name–chances are you or your auntie have at least two Leon movies on the DVD rack at home. While he certainly boasts an impressive film and television résumé he is also no stranger to the stage.
In theater, Leon has headlined three national tours, with sold out performances at Hollywood’s Kodak Theater, NYC’s Beacon Theater, Detroit’s Fox Theatre, the Warner Theater in DC and more. This latest theater outing marks Robinson’s third time working under the tutelage of Johnson.
[ione_embed src=//player.vimeo.com/video/118931842 service=vimeo width=500 height=281 type=iframe]
“I was very fortunate to have worked with Je’Caryous on his biggest play, Friends and Lovers. It was a huge success and a lot of fun and 3 Ways to Get A Husband, which was a great play as well. I am excited to be working with him again and I know that Things Your Man Wont Do will be just as fun and entertaining as the previous plays we’ve done together,” said Leon.
In Je’Caryous Johnson’s Things Your Man Won’t Do’ audiences meet Rachel Braxton, who most men would view as the perfect woman. Rachel prayed and prayed after a very tumultuous relationship for the perfect man and God sent her Demetrius McAlister. But, years later, through all the dates and after finally deciding to move in together, Demetrius still won’t commit, at least to marriage.
Rachel tries to figure out if she will continue to be comfortable with her relationship as it stands or whether she will allow another man from her past to step into Demetrius’ shoes, doing all the things he won’t. The high jinx, antics and non-stop battle of the sexes drama makes Things Your Man Won’t Do a must see.
“My character is Blake, a psychologist who’s basically the spoon that stirs the pot —but not in a David Ruffin kind of way — in a smooth and sexy way,” Leon mused. “The material is great and I’m really looking forward to meeting some of my fans in the different cities.”
I am sure his fans are equally excited. To see what other projects Leon is working on, visit his website at www.justleon.com. He has recently launched a fundraising campaign to finance his latest project, Hosanna, a film about an illegal immigrant determined to become a US citizen by any means necessary. Fans are encouraged to visit his site to learn more about the project and how they can lend their support.
Je’Caryous Johnson’s Things Your Man Won’t Do is running for a limited engagement and will be making its way to Cleveland, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Visit www.jecaryous.com for dates and to enter to win two VIP tickets to the play and a chance to meet the cast.
Tickets range from $37.50 to $47.50 and are available online, at all Ticketmaster locations and at the Detroit Opera House box office.
About Post Author
