The original film received rave reviews, instantly becoming a fan favorite and ultimately a cult classic. Over the years, the media hailed it as a “turning point in cinematic history” and a “game changer”. It’s the movie “Two Can Play That Game”.
He’s also been hailed as “opening the door to a generation of black performers,” including Academy Award-winning actress Mo’Nique, heartthrob Morris Chestnut, Grammy-winning entertainer Bobby Brown and stars of the television and film Vivica A. Fox, Anthony Anderson and Gabrielle Union. , all of whom starred in the original film and went on to great success in their careers. Now, an adaptation of the hit film will be on stage and touring across the country.
“Two Can Play That Game” was released in theaters nationwide on September 7, 2001 and written and directed by Mark A. Brown. Award-winning playwright and director Je’Caryous Johnson will now adapt the film for the stage. Johnson will also direct production and serve as executive producer.
Je’Caryous Johnson rose to prominence in the national theater when he began turning novels by popular African-American authors into hit plays, including “Friends & Lovers” and “Cheaters” from Eric Jerome Dickey. Johnson continued his string of stage hits with original stories like “Men, Money, & Gold Diggers” and “Cheaper to Keep Her.” Johnson will continue to expand his brand and reach and also bring his devoted fans something new and exciting with this stage version of “Two Can Play That Game.” Johnson’s most recent play, “Married But Single” and its sequel “Married But Single Too,” featuring LisaRaye and Bill Bellamy, have sold out in theaters coast to coast.
Staying true to one of the main elements that made “Two Can Play That Game” such a big hit was Johnson’s casting of actress Vivica A. Fox to reprise her role as the beautiful and savvy relationship guru Shante Smith and star of the stage version of the show. Fans will learn about the daily rules of relationships between men and women.
“Audiences nationwide will be able to relive what made this film unforgettable with the casting of Vivica A. Fox,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her stamp of approval and vote of confidence to bring such a beloved and fun tale to life with her in mind as she originally did.”
The tour will kick off October 13-14 in Memphis, TN, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, followed by stops in St. Louis, MO, the Peabody Opera House on October 15, Playhouse Square’s State Theater in Cleveland, OH on October 22, the Orpheum Theater in LA on October 27 and 28, the Terrace Theater in Long Beach on October 29 and the Warner Theater in Washington DC on November 10 and 12. Tickets go on sale for the listed markets today, Friday, August 11. Additional tour castings will be announced in the coming weeks, along with additional tour markets.
Without a doubt, Vivica A. Fox is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and revered stars. From roles in the hit “Independence Day” movies to even his current recurring role on the hit FOX TV series “Empire”, Fox is a TV and movie superstar who continues to make his presence and brand known. Fox began her professional acting career with roles on the daytime soap operas Days of Our Lives and Generations. She later moved into prime time, starring opposite Patti LaBelle on the NBC sitcom, “Out All Night.” The world of entertainment has never been the same after he entered. Since then, Fox has appeared in more than 100 films, including F. Gary Gray’s “Set It Off” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill.”
“Bringing ‘Two Can Play That Game’ to the stage is going to be EPIC,” Fox said. “I want fans to laugh and cry and clap their hands and also learn some new dating rules when they come to see it.”
In “Two Can Play That Game,” the stage play, Je’Caryous Johnson will stay true to the story that fans fell in love with 16 years ago with new plot twists. When it comes to matters of the heart, Shante Smith (Vivica A. Fox) is so adept at navigating the waters of romance that her girlfriends turn to her for relationship advice. But soon, Shante’s own relationship becomes the example when her boyfriend, Keith, is caught red-handed on a date with co-worker and rival Conny. However, when Shante institutes a plan full of tricks and games to get Keith to do the right thing, he, with the help of his friend Tony, quickly retaliates, letting Shante know that “Two Can Play That Game”. So whether you call it a “battle of the sexes” or “love and war,” “Two Can Play That Game” hilariously explores the rules of dating and shows how men and women relate or do not relate. other.
This isn’t the first time the dynamic duo of Fox and Johnson have teamed up. They previously brought their winning combination to the stage when Fox starred in Johnson’s hit plays “Whatever She Wants” alongside Boris Kodjoe and Richard Roundtree in 2007 and “Cheaper To Keep Her” with Brian McKnight in 2010.
“I’m so excited to team up with Je’Caryous Johnson,” exclaimed Fox. “It’s going to be an incredible adventure as we take our fans on this fun journey into the crazy world of dating.”
One of the defining characteristics that made the film so memorable was not only its hilarious and unrestrained look at the everyday world of dating, but also the breaking of the fourth wall. Just like in the original film, Johnson will be asking Fox to break down the fourth wall and fully engage their fans coast to coast.
“It’s vital for fans to see different forms of our stories,” Fox added. “A live-action adaptation of a film is even more exciting than watching a glossy film edited in the cinema. Fans can see their favorite stars right in front of them, where they can smell them and just reach out and touch them.”
For more information, visit www.jecaryous.com, and follow Je’Caryous Johnson and “TWO CAN PLAY THIS GAME”, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jecaryousjohnson and on Twitter at twitter.com/jecaryous.
