Say what you want about her. Hate her if you have to, but either way, she’s back and there ain’t nothing you can do about it. Yep, I’m talking about Mabel Simmons, better known to the world as “Madea.” She’s back to entertain the City of Memphis once again with the new stage play “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

While Tyler Perry has created numerous comedy and dramatic vehicles in his career, Madea is the cornerstone of all of his creations. Introduced to his stage play audience years ago, the gun-toting, no-nonsense matriarch has been the star of many movies as well, including “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” And in “Madea’s Family Reunion” and “Madea Goes to Jail,” she was the central character.

Perry has taken a lot of flak over the years for his Madea character, but you gotta give the guy credit. He knows his audience members and they have made it clear that they want Madea. His television projects have been wildly successful as well. “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” continue to be a Wednesday night staple on TBS. I think he’s a genius.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, get out to the Orpheum Theatre, where five showings of “Madea’s Big Happy Family” will unfold over three days – February 25, 27 and 28. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the Orpheum Box Office.

We Remember: Bo Griffin

Bo Griffin, probably best known to the masses as the host of the “Psychic Network,” died last week at the age of 51. According to BV Buzz’s Jawn Murray, “Griffin apparently was unaware she had cancer and after feeling some pain back in January, she went to the hospital to have it checked out and received her diagnosis.”

Griffin was also well known for her work in radio. The self-described “southern girl” worked extensively in the radio field, earning the Glass Ceiling Award from Black Radio Exclusive (BRE) magazine.

She also owned Goddess, a successful Greenville, S.C., boutique that she recently sold because of her plans to move back to Los Angeles full-time. Griffin had gotten engaged last year. She and fiancé had planned to marry in September.

Ask Myron:

Q: “Is Magic Johnson buying Ebony and Jet magazines?”


A: Basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson was pursuing an interest in Johnson Publishing Co., the owner of both Ebony and Jet.  Johnson released a statement acknowledging that an affiliate of his company held “advanced discussions” to buy the company. The two sides could not reach an agreement.

Although Johnson says he remains interested in African-American media, he didn’t specify whether he was looking into other properties. Magic Johnson Enterprises has financial interests in several brands, including Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness and T.G.I. Friday’s.

Q: “Is Rapper 50 Cent doing anymore movies?”


A: 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, is preparing for his role in a new film from Cheetah Vision Films called “Things Fall Apart.” The story is about a running back who suffers a personal tragedy in his final year of college and begins to question his own mortality. He is expected to lose 65 pounds for the film, which starts filming in May and is directed by Mario Van Peebles.

(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)