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Je'Caryous Johnson

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Je' Caryous Johnson (born May 26, 1977) is an American stage and film producer, author, playwright and director known for his Off-Broadway stage productions in the urban theater circuit. He is also known for his work of adapting stage plays from various classic urban novels such as Michael Baisden's books Men Cry in the Dark (2002) and Maintenance Man (2003) and Eric Jerome Dickey's Friends and Lovers (2004). He has also adapted films such as Two Can Play That Game (2017), Set It Off (2018) and New Jack City (2022). Johnson is the author of the urban fiction novel Men, Money, and Gold Diggers, is a four-time national championship playwright, and became an honoree recipient of the NAACP Trailblazer Award in 2007.[1]

Je'Caryous Johnson
Born
Je'Caryous F. Johnson

(1977-05-26) May 26, 1977 (age 47)
Houston, Texas
Education
Occupations
  • Film producer
  • director
  • playwright
  • author
  • actor
Years active1998-present
SpouseMeaghan Chrystal Roberts
Children3
Websitehttps://jecaryous.com/

Je'Caryous has also been acknowledged as the first producer to adapt an African-American romance novel into a stage theater production.[citation needed]

Early life

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Je'Caryous Johnson was born May 26, 1977, in Houston, Texas in the Northwestern Studewood neighborhood.[citation needed] He attended the James D. Burrus Magnet School for Fine Arts, studying theater. Johnson was the winner of multiple nationwide playwriting contests, including one that gained him a first place medal for playwriting about the Harlem Renaissance at the National History Day playwriting competition held at the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C in 1996.[2]

Education

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Johnson attended Prairie View A&M University, and later enrolled at the University of Houston, where he majored in theater and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.[3]

Career

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As a resident of Hollywood, California, Johnson was theatrically trained by August Wilson, Edward Albee, and Jose Quintero upon graduating from college.[4] He later moved back to Texas in 1998, investing, developing, and founding his own theatrical company with his uncle Gary Guidry in 1995 called I'm Ready Productions.

In 2002, he collaborated with urban novelist Michael Baisden to adapt his novel Men Cry in the Dark into a stage play. After its success, hoping to make Houston the new 'Hollywood', he began to adapt more urban novels into stage productions, including the romance novel Friends and Lovers by Eric Jerome Dickey.[5][6]

In 2007, Johnson and Gary became the recipients of the NAACP Trailblazer Award, given to individuals in the entertainment industry whose outstanding theatrical contributions paved the way for future actors, playwrights, and producers. They are among honorees such as stage producer and filmmaker Tyler Perry, who was given the award in 2006 and David E. Talbert, who was awarded in 2008.

Many of Johnson's stage productions feature repeat cast actors similar to the likes of Spike Lee and Tyler Perry-esque casting style, where they repeatedly use the same actors in multiple films and productions. He consistently cast Vivica A. Fox, Billy Dee Williams, Allen Payne, Tichina Arnold, Leon, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Carl Anthony Payne II, Brian McKnight, Brian White, and Shirley Murdock.

A majority of Johnson's live tapings of stage productions, as well as his independent films, were released and made for direct-to-video DVD and video on demand streaming. And, as with Tyler Perry had done with his productions, he stamped his trademark name before the title of the play or film. (I.E.: Je'Caryous Johnson presents…).

His production company would later be renamed to Je'Caryous Johnson Entertainment, where new projects such as comedy showcases and music concerts would add to the roster of shows he had already begun to produce and tour nationally. He continues the legacy of the former production name I'm Ready Productions in his charitable organization for the performing arts, revamped as the I'm Ready Foundation.

In the late 2010s, he started adapting classic urban films into live stage adaptations. In 2017, he adapted the 2001 film Two Can Play That Game and cast Vivica A. Fox to reprise her lead role as 'Shante Smith'.[7][8][9] In 2018, Johnson began to collaborate with Warner Bros. Theater Ventures to produce live-action stage adaptations of urban films from their vault, starting with the 1996 cult film Set It Off, casting Da Brat, Kyla Pratt, LeToya Luckett, and Demetria McKinney for the first production run.[10] The play returned by popular demand in 2020/2021 with Da Brat returning as 'Cleo' along with a new cast lineup. Je'Caryous continued to collaborate with Warner Bros. in 2022 with the live-action stage adaptation of 1991 cult classic film New Jack City, in which he cast Allen Payne to reprise his role as 'Gee Money'. Also in his New Jack City, were Treach as 'Nino Brown', Big Daddy Kane, Flex Alexander, and Gary Dourdan.[11]

In 2019, Matthew Knowles, creator of the Grammy winning pop group Destiny's Child, started to collaborate with Johnson to develop a Broadway stage musical titled Survivor: The Destiny's Child Musical, which would chronicle the groups' journey and rise to fame. The pair had ideas of making its debut in London's West End, as well as a national and overseas tour.[12][13] The show was allegedly going to make its debut in 2020; however, it was reportedly placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[14]

Johnson is currently in development of various theatrical productions slated to tour. He partnered with Marvin Gaye III to write and produce a Broadway Musical titled Marvin Gaye: The Musical, which chronicles the life and times of Marvin Gaye, originally slated to open in 2023, but since delayed.[15] He was also working on a live-action stage adaptation of the 1997 comedy film B.A.P.S., which has also been delayed.[16] However, in early 2024, Johnson's production of New Jack City returned on tour by popular demand, casting Omar Gooding in the role of Stone. In February 2024, it was announced that Johnson, along with daughter of Rick James, Ty James, had launched a nationwide tour of the musical production of Super Freak: The Rick James Story, which was set to commence in the spring of 2024.[17]

Personal life

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Je'Caryous Johnson married Meaghan Chrystal Roberts, a licensed entertainment attorney in California, on November 15, 2014.[18] They have three children.

He and his wife developed Je'Caryous Johnson's: I'm Ready Foundation, an organization dedicated to teaching and positively changing people through the arts.[19] They both, along with his mother Manon Roberts, serve on its Board of Directors.

Filmography

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Film

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As producer, writer and actor
Year Titile Notes Ref.
2003 Men Cry In The Dark Executive Producer, DVD Release; VOD
2004 The Maintenance Man Role: Eric
2008 Whatever She Wants
2010 Three Ways to Get a Husband DVD release, VOD
2011 Cheaper to Keep Her Direct to DVD release, VOD
2013 For Love or Money Direct to DVD release, VOD
2014 Men, Money & Gold Diggers Role: Caleb; Writer and Producer;
2020 The Sin Choice Producer, Writer
2021 Christmas with My Ex Producer
2022 Stranger Next Door Executive Producer

Television

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Year Title Role Ref.
2018 The Real Housevives of Atlanta Himself (Episode: Driving Ms. Kim)
2015 Unsung Hollywood Himself (Episode: Vivica A. Fox)

Productions

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Theater

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As playwright and producer
Year Stage Production Title Opening Date Closing Date Notes Ref.
2002 Men Cry In The Dark: The Stageplay January 2002 November 2005 Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Baisden [20][21]
2003 The Maintenance Man April 2003 April 2003 Role: Eric; DVD Release (2004)

Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Baisden

2004 Friends and Lovers March 2005 March 2005 Based on the novel by Eric Jerome Dickey [22][23]
2006 Cheaters: The Stageplay N/A N/A DVD Release, VOD
Whatever She Wants: The Stageplay May 1, 2007 May 6, 2007 DVD Release, VOD
2006, 2010 Casino / Confessions October 29, 2010 November 21, 2010 Co-Writer with 'I'm Ready Productions'
2006 Men, Money and Gold Diggers November 14, 2006 November 19, 2006 Role: Caleb; DVD Release (2014);VOD;

later was adapted into an urban novel published by Je'Caryous Johnson

2007 Shackin' Up October 4, 2007 Obctober 6, 2007 DVD Release, VOD
2015 Things Your Man Won't Do March 12, 2015 November 2015 DVD Release, VOD [24][25]
2016 Married...But Single March 11, 2016 May 8, 2016 DVD Release, VOD
2017 Married...But Single Too April 2, 2017 April 2, 2017 DVD Release, VOD
2017 Two Can Play That Game: The Stageplay October 13, 2017 November 12, 2017 Based on the 2001 film Two Can Play That Game [26]
2018 Redemption of a Dogg October 5, 2018 November 18, 2018 DVD Release, VOD

Semi-Biographical musical play based on Snoop Dogg's newfound experience as 'Snoop Lion'

[27][28]
2020-2021 Set It Off: Live On Stage March 9, 2018 November 20, 2021 Based on the 1996 film Set It Off [29]
2022-2024 New Jack City: Live on Stage October 29–30, 2022 (preview)

November 2022 (Tour)

June 15, 2024

*expected closing date unless extended

Based on the 1991 film New Jack City, Produced with special arrangements by Warner Bros. Theater Ventures [30][31]
2024 Super Freak: The Rick James Story March 14, 2024

(Nationwide Tour)

June 8, 2024

*expected closing date unless extended

Theatrical musical based on the life of Rick James

Stokely Williams of Mint Condition stars as James.

[32][33][34]
2025 Jason's Lyric: Live! February 13, 2025 (Nationwide Tour) May 4, 2025 Based on the 1994 Metro-Goldwin-Mayer film Jason's Lyric.
Games Women Play February 2025 February 2025 Directed by Carl Anthony Payne. Starring Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Flex Alexander, Demetria McKinney, Brian White, Claudia Jordan, Chico Bean and Apryl Jones.
Future dates B.A.P.S.: Live on Stage To be announced

*postponed

To be determined In development, Based on the 1997 film B.A.P.S. [35][36]
Marvin Gaye: The Musical To be announced To be determined In development for Broadway [37]
Power of Love: The Luther Vandross Story To be announced To be determined In development for Broadway [38]
Destiny's Child: The Musical To be announced To be determined Upcoming project, production in development

Chronicling the career of pop sensation Destiny's Child

Waiting To Exhale: The Musical To be announced To be determined Upcoming project, production in development.

Based on the 1995 film Waiting To Exhale

The Hippest Wizard of Oz To be announced To be determined Upcoming project, production in development

Concerts and specials

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As executive producer

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Novels

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  • Men, Money and Gold Diggers Grand Central Publishing, ISBN 978-0-4465531-4-8
  • I'm a Good Man, You're a Good Woman ... Why Can't We Find Each Other I'm Ready Publishing, ISBN 978-0-9787301-9-2

Awards and nominations

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NAACP Theatre Award/NAACP Image Awards

Year Recipient(s) Award Result Ref.
2007 Je'Caryous Johnson & Gary Guidry Trailblazer Award Honorees

References

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  1. ^ Stitt, Eric (2007-02-21). "NAACP fetes Fishburne, Pettiford". Variety. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  2. ^ "Johnson, Je'Caryous | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  3. ^ "PVU Student Makes $4 Million While In School". Majic 102.1. 2015-03-04. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  4. ^ McNeir, D. Kevin (2017-11-15). "Je'Caryous Johnson: Perseverance Key to Playwright's Success". The Washington Informer. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  5. ^ Schulze, Troy. "Je'Caryous Johnson Wants to Make Houston the New Hollywood". Houston Press. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  6. ^ Robertson, Campbell (February 21, 2007). "The World of Black Theater Becomes Ever Bigger". The New York Times.
  7. ^ "Vivica A. Fox on returning to her starring role for the stage edition of 'Two Can Play That Game'". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  8. ^ "Vivica A. Fox stars as Shante in "Two Can Play That Game" stage play". KISS 104.1 FM. 2017-10-26. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  9. ^ "Porsha Williams To Star In 'Two Can Play That Game' Remake - That Grape Juice". thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  10. ^ "Da Brat, LeToya Luckett to Star in 'Set It Off' Stage Play". Ebony. 2018-02-23. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  11. ^ II, C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman (7 September 2022). "A New Jack City Live Stage Play Starring Big Daddy Kane, Treach and Others Is Coming in November". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  12. ^ Service, Defender News (2019-04-24). "Mathew Knowles prepping Destiny's Child musical with Je'Caryous Johnson". DefenderNetwork.com. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  13. ^ "Mathew Knowles & Je'Caryous Johnson Collaborate on "Survivor: The Destiny's Child Musical" | Coming Soon". TheUrbanMusicScene.com. 2019-04-23. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  14. ^ "Destiny's Child musical in the works". wthr.com. April 25, 2019. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  15. ^ Harms, Talaura (August 10, 2022). "New Marvin Gaye Bio-Musical in Development From the Artist's Son".
  16. ^ Jr, Jonathan Laundrum (2020-12-10). "B.A.P.S.' star Natalie Desselle Reid dies at 53". AFRO American Newspapers. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  17. ^ "Super Freak: The Rick James Story". Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  18. ^ American, Special to The. "Meaghan Roberts weds Je'Caryous Johnson in star-studded ceremony". St. Louis American. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  19. ^ "Former Top Teen Pledges Half-Million Dollars in Arts Scholarships". Houston, TX Patch. 2019-07-07. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  20. ^ "Actor, icon, survivor: Richard Roundtree appears in 'Men Cry in the Dark'". The Blade. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  21. ^ "Allen Payne gives insite to the question and play "Why Men Cry in the Dark" | The A&T Register". 2002-02-19. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  22. ^ "Je'Caryous Johnson's new play has St. Louis connections". STLPR. 2015-03-09. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  23. ^ "Newcomers bring 'Friends and Lovers' to stage - The Temple News". temple-news.com. 2004-11-12. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  24. ^ Toby, Mekeisha Madden. "Emotional baggage causes tension in 'Things'". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  25. ^ "Things Your Man Won't Do - at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang". The Bay State Banner. 2015-10-21. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  26. ^ Desk. "TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME Tour, Starring Vivica Fox, Starts Tonight in Memphis". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ Kreps, Daniel (2018-08-10). "Snoop Dogg to Star in Semi-Autobiographical Touring Musical 'Redemption of a Dogg'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  28. ^ Maine, Samantha (2018-08-10). "Snoop Dogg will star in a stage show about his life". NME. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  29. ^ "LeToya Luckett, Demetria McKinney, Kyla Pratt & Da Brat Star In 'Set It Off' The Stage Play". TV One. 2018-02-23. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  30. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Stage Adaptation of NEW JACK CITY To Tour Across the Country With Allen Payne, Treach, Big Daddy Kane & Flex Alexander". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  31. ^ Beniot, Kevin (7 September 2022). "Je'Caryous Johnson Brings 'New Jack City' To The Stage With New Stage Play". parlemag.com. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  32. ^ Cristi, A. A. "Je'Caryous Johnson And Ty James Announce A Collaborative Project SUPER FREAK: THE RICK JAMES STORY". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
  33. ^ Allah, Sha Be (2024-02-29). "Stokley Of R&B Group Mint Condition Cast As Rick James In 'Superfreak: The Rick James Story' - The Source". Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  34. ^ "Stokley Cast As Rick James In 'Super Freak: The Rick James Story' Stage Musical". www.wbls.com. 2 March 2024. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  35. ^ "'B.A.P.S.' star Natalie Desselle Reid dies at 53". wctv.tv. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  36. ^ Jr, Jonathan Laundrum (2020-12-10). "B.A.P.S.' star Natalie Desselle Reid dies at 53". AFRO American Newspapers. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  37. ^ "Marvin Gaye Musical in Development from Legend's Son Marvin Gaye III & Je'Caryous Johnson". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
  38. ^ "In Development". JeCaryous Johnson. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
  39. ^ "Valentine's Love Jam featuring SWV and Case". Mix 92.3. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  40. ^ "No Cap Comedy Tour heads to Yuengling Center". TampaBeacon.com. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-16.
  41. ^ Price, Jason (2022-08-02). "WE OUTSIDE COMEDY TOUR 2022 To Feature Comedians Tony Baker, Bill Bellamy, Michael Blackson, Deon Cole and More!". Icon Vs. Icon. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
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