Black Voices has learned that writer/director/producer Tyler Perry has selected the cast for next film, ''For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.'

At last night's premiere for his latest film, ''Why Did I Get Married Too?,' the black box-office maverick revealed that the cast will include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, and Macy Gray.

Based on Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play, the film is scheduled to shoot in June in New York with a possible winter 2010/ 2011 release date

The riveting play, consisting of a series of poems performed through a cast of nameless women, known only by a color -- deal with such subjects as love, abandonment, rape, and abortion, garnered much acclaim, becoming the toast of Broadway when it opened at The Booth Theater in 1976.

It later morphed into an Emmy Award nominated television special and is still being performed around the world.

Elise and Carey are the only two that made the cut from Perry's initial wish list that he mentioned back in September 2009, which initially included 16-time Grammy Award winner Beyonce Knowles, Academy Award winner Halle Berry and media queen Oprah Winfrey.

"Making a film of 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf' is a dream come true for me," Perry said about the project. "Ntozake Shange's play is a magnificent tribute to the strength and dignity of women of color, and I think audiences of all generations will be able to recognize and embrace the experiences these women represent. Creatively, this movie is one of the most exciting undertakings of my career."

As previously reported by Black Voices, 'For Colored Girls' will be the first project for 34th Street Films, Perry's new production company, which is housed at Lionsgate.

http://www.bvonmovies.com...s-casting/

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this sounds really interesting. thoughts?

Interesting. I'll probably watch it. I think he's getting better these days and liked both "Why did I get married" and "I can do bad all by myself" so I'll probably watch this movie.

Tyler P, keep doing you. At least you're keeping some people employed.

MyMyMy said:

I almost got a tear in my eye looking at the cast to be honest! They would hardly get mentioned for being cast in any regular film out now and days. cant wait for the filming!

Macy Gray? Remember her? I was wondering what she's up to these days

SoulAlive said:

The Sellout is due out this year.

I can't wait to see this movie...WDIGM2 and the play Madea's Big Happy Family! Go 'head, Tyler Perry!

Oh this is going to be good...

I'm excited the MOST about Phylicia Rashad

Wasn't this a Broadway play at one point and wasn't Patti LaBelle a cast member of the Broadway cast?

Harlepolis said:

When I saw the pic of her, I thought it would be great to see her in a movie.

Whoopi and Phylicia!

Harlepolis said:

that woman is so regal looking it ain't even funny

at the title

PricelessHo said:

PLEASE! JUST STOP!!!!

errant said:

He didn't come up with the title. Read the original entry, "Based on Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play...."

Just sayin'...

ernestsewell said:

I'm talking about him making "films"

phunkdaddy said:

It's a stageplay turned book and now has a film adaption.

My only concern is Tyler Perry directing and Mariah's horrible acting. Thankfully, there are other strong actresses to hide it.

This is kind of manager if you read the book. If Tyler ruins this - people will be out for blood.

errant said:

Well we know that won't stop. lol

midiscover said:

this better not include Janet

PricelessHo said:

Of course, it does!

Penny is a great actress and you will witness this on April 2nd

Tell Mariah to take notes!

midiscover said:

You never stop

midiscover said:

so she starts hissing on top of staring? no thank you

ernestsewell said:

And why should it ? because of this man a lot of people are working

PricelessHo said:

banks said:

For me, I don't care if he makes movies or not. He does employ a lot of people in Atlanta, and at times in Hollywood perhaps. I don't mind his movies, and have seen a good chunk of them. They obviously appeal to a certain audience, just as Howard The Duck or Gone With The Wind did.

ernestsewell said:

OMG i just thought , what if tyler perry and janet got together. That would be one powerful couple.


oh and TYLER IS NOT GAY!!!!! don't believe the lies.

Beyonce and Halle were on the wish list and Tyler couldn't get them? Wha?????

Good thing he couldn't get Beyonce. That's just a train wreck waiting to happen.
[Edited 3/23/10 13:56pm]

Harlepolis said:

she is fantastic looooove her