Since my birthday fell on the weekend of the performance, I felt especially blessed and excited to attend. I have seen other Tyler Perry plays on video and had been looking forward to being part of the "TP play movement" since Hartford was announced as a date. I have long been an ardent Tyler Perry movie fan, however his "play groupies" exhibit an almost rabid affection that approaches Holy
The story of "Madea on the Run" has almost nothing to do with Madea running (from the police again) and centers on Aunt Bam's adult daughter and her two grandaughters, who are treated very differently. In essence, it is a Cinderella story. Madea dramatically rushes into her first scene amid police lights and a robust welcome from the audience, but her "getaway" is not focused on at all. Instead she once again fills the role as the aggressive and overbearing voice of reason in a dysfunctional family.
The action moves very quickly but the story is not difficult to follow nor is it intended to be. A bitter "boomerang" divorcee favors one daughter over another. However, the daughter she loves more is a liar and is dating an abusive drug addict. Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis) provides comic relief with frequent references to her compulsive "scription" marijuana smoking. Adultery, shopping addiction, and "blind" parenting advance the major theme that emotional healing is needed to overcome generational and personal dysfunction.
The first act is dialogue heavy, while the second act is filled to overflow with songs - all executed to pitch perfect standards. Most of the cast was new to me,except Mr. Perry and Ms. Davis. After reading the $5 collectible program, I discovered that several of the actors had performed in previous Perry plays. All are experienced singers and performers with numerous accolades. Perry has a talent for choosing wonderful stage actors with pristine studio quality singing voices and with the same fully realized vocal range as any Broadway singer.
Truthfully, Perry was the real star, literally standing head and shoulders above all the others, evidenced by the deafening welcome he received as his signature character and by the thunderous ovation he received at the close of the production. There was enough applause for two or three curtain calls.
However, Mr. Perry clearly enjoyed himself throughout the play and frequently interjected quips towards the crowd, poking fun at those unlucky people sitting in Orchestra and calling out well-known hot spots in Hartford.
The house was packed. Prime lower level seating looked completely full from my vantage point. In addition, both Parterre Boxes were also filled, showing that Perry's audience is not amiss to spending $100+ to be entertained for an evening. Front and Rear Balcony received a sizable number of guests (and a nod from Mr. Perry at the end) but was no where near filled to capacity, suggesting that Perry's core audience are the higher spending individuals.
The main and sole set was designed as a gorgeous two-story Craftsman home, a very popular style in Atlanta. Behind the scenes "set up" photos are included in the program as well. Most of the action takes place in the house, though one of the "rooms" in the house wasn't used at all. A few token scenes take place in the attached "garage" and "sidewalk". A bit more set movement would have been appreciated.
There were too many truly funny moments to count. Gut blasting laughter resounded throughout the theater, at times canceling out the actors' voices. Perry did his best to unseat his actors with ad libs, directing hints, and other "unscripted" behavior that make his "Madea" plays the audience favorites that they are.
Perry wasn't shy about acting as judge/jury/counselor or whatever other "voice" he chose. Actually, he frequently shifted his vocal range from Madea's nasal soprano to his real, octaves deep baritone adding to Madea's bizarre and larger than life presence. The audience loved it. His flexibility as a stage actor often goes under-appreciated, but he blithely maneuvered his large frame around a fairly packed set and petite actors.
Capping a very enjoyable evening, Mr. Perry exhibited authentic gratitude towards his audience which elicited rowdy shouts of devotion from the Orchestra section and tons of affectionate and ecstatic "whoots" coming from every direction and resonating well in the excellent acoustics of the Bushnell's Mortensen Hall.
There was nothing embattled or embittered about Mr. Perry's performance, which frequently makes glib asides to some of his personal struggles and current events. He performed like a seasoned performer, totally comfortable in his stride and at ease with the many fans and supporters who braved a rainy Connecticut evening for a hilarious play and the chance to "run" with Tyler Perry for a night.
Madea is still on the run around the country. Get your tickets for upcoming performances in Atlanta Oakland and other cities through this Ticketmaster link. http://www.ticketmaster.com/Tyler-Perrys-Madea-On-the-Run-tickets/artist/2087383
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