Exclusive: Je'Caryous Johnson and Gary Guidry talk about their
hit plays, "Men, Money and Gold Diggers"
BlackPressMagazine .com) -- I spent a hot Friday night in October 2007 with three hunky celebrities: Actor Carl Payne ("Cole" from Martin), R&B singers Ginuwine and Tank, who has the biggest, Arsenio Hall/Bill Clinton hands a girl has ever seen. It was more than fun and at times even a little embarrassing as I went from reviewer to raving fan in about two hours at the astounding new hit play Men, Money and Gold Diggers also starring Essence Atkins, Robin Givens, Terri Vaughn ("LaVita" Steve Harvey Show).
I caught up with executive producers Je'Caryous Johnson, (right) and his business partner, Gary Guidry (left) who each honored me an exclusive interview on the success of their show. These talented cousins are more than just sexy men, they are the masterminds of I'm Ready Productions that has produced plays including Michael Baisen's "Men Cry in the Dark," "Maintainence Man" with Arnez J.and "Friends and Lovers" (Listen to podcasts).
Trained in contemporary and classical theater, Johnson experienced and learned the best of both worlds. These roots, in both classical and urban theater, distinguish I'm Ready Productions from other theater production companies. Johnson seeks to counter the trend towards “sit-com” theater with productions like Heaven's Child, which grapple with complex personal, social and moral themes.
“We formed I'm Ready Productions, to teach and change people for the good through theater. We wanted to do Shakespeare as well as [August] Wilson,” explains Johnson, who attributes his success to “faith in God, staying grounded and a solid technical foundation in my craft.” While attending Prairie View A&M, Johnson learned how to utilize his emotions, and at the University of Houston he learned the essence of analysis. “Now, that's a perfect combination,” Johnson offers.
"Quality is the most important thing to us," said Guidry, who by age 6 was a child prodigy on the drums. Over the years, Guidry has written, arranged and scored music for numerous musical theater productions, including Heaven's Child, Ain't Misbehavin', Men Cry In the Dark, The Maintenance Man, and Friends and Lovers. “I try to surround myself with the best," he said.
Although Men Money and Gold Digges is full of man candy, it was surprising that the brothers seemed to be having the most fun at the play. One male attendee got so caught up in the moment as Payne's character said, "If a woman wasn't looking for a target then what I'm wearing and driving shouldn't matter." At the top of his lungs he yelled out, "Yeah! That's right! I heard that!"
When his girlfriend slapped his arm in anger, he smiled and responded, "Baby, I'm just providing some crowd participation." But, she soon found her "payback" when Robin Givens said, "A six figure income and a 2 dollar heart is not worth anything to me."
After the play, I caught up with Alisha McCall, a 27 year-old resident of Landover, Maryland, the hometown of funnyman Martin Lawrence who shelled out $42.50 for a ticket to the play.
"This play is excellent, outgoing and very truthful. It's real put together. she said. So should Tyler Perry, who's newest play debuts in January 2007 feel threatened? McCall thinks so. "I'd put [Tyler and Je'Caryous] neck-to-neck," said McCall. "If I were Tyler [Perry], I would have to up mine. He needs more people. He's trying to give everyone a chance but this play has a great cast of characters. They should do a duel. Now that what's up."
"I don't like the comparisons to Tyler Perry," said Johnson. "He led the way and will always have a place [in this industry]. I just want people to see us for what we are: A great company that performs diverse works with excellence. That's the only statements we want to make with our work ."
UPDATE: On February 17, 2007, just two days before they were given their NAACP Image Award, I caught up with executive producers again and his business partner, this time at Baltimore, MD's Lyric theatre. After a backstage interview with new comer Samson Logan fills in for Tank when the R&B singer is on tour promoting his new CD, I spoke with cousins Johnson and Guidry about their success and their Image Award. The NAACP Image Awards airs on March 2, 2007.
"We're incredibly humbled by all of this. I just wasn't anything we could have imagined," said Johnson, whose life was used to create the play. "But, we're blessed. We have a new play coming soon starring Boris Kodjoe and Vivicia Fox called "Whatever She Wants." He even has a new TV reality show coming about the behind-the-scenes and making of the "Men, Money and Gold Diggers" and the new play. As if that wasn't enough, their popular character, Maggie, will also be given a spin-off play that will be coming later this year.
"Vivicia has already signed on to allow us to include her in the behind-the-scenes footage," said Johnson.
On April 19, 2007, just a day or two before the opening of "Whatever She Wants" I spoke with Je'Caryous about the new play.
Listen to the official podcasts with exclusive interviews with Gary and Je'Caryous at http://www.blackpodcasts.com
