What's Done in the Dark... (2008)

Mr. Brown Saved This Mess!

The ONLY reason to see this play is because of Mr. Brown. (Okay, and maybe the cute doctor.)

Three reasons I didn't like What's Done in the Dark: The health infomercial preaching, partially recycled script, and Nurse Trudy.

I get it! I get it! Diabetes, AIDS, STDs, cancer, heart problems, and high blood pressure=bad. Early check-ups, eating right, exercise=good. But I didn't tune in for the heavy-handed health sermon that saturated the whole play and made me roll my eyes and say, "Ah. Here we go again!" It's the same reaction the character Mike had in Perry's movie Why Did I Get Married when Perry's character Terry started spouting the stats on AIDS/HIV cases. It's so blatant that it takes you out of the movie/play, though well-meaning it may seem. Subtlety is thy friend! I know this play was set in a hospital, but that doesn't excuse the over-the-top health sermonizing.

Then there was the partially recycled plot. I don't know which came first, but those of us who saw the movie Meet the Browns will recognize Brenda's storyline. It was like watching a rerun.

Finally, there's Nurse Trudy. I've not seen D'atra Hicks in anything else, and maybe she's a good actress; but not here. It was overacting to the extreme. The growling and yelling just made no sense to me. Latrice Pace was a much better actress and was funny and realistic with a much more subdued performance.

As always, though, David Mann's Mr. Brown saved this Madea-less play. Tamala Mann and a few of the others who have been with Perry for some time showed that they had grown as performers and were quite good. Perhaps Hicks and some of the other first-timers will get there. For now, Mr. Brown was the funniest of the crew and saved this play from being a one-star performance (or no star, if I could do that). He also does a fantastic job in the bonus features, especially the final interview. August 29, 2008

What's Done In the Dark

Awesome play but you really don't expect less from Tyler Perry. Great cast although some of the acting seemed a little over dramatic. And at times some of the dialogue used was not original. Overall great. Fan of Tyler Perry an dhis people and will be for time to come. August 28, 2008

Tyler Perry does it again!

This is another in a long line of witty and carefully crafted plays from Tyler Perry. His comedic genius is interlaced with the morals and values that have been absent from our modern media. It's a welcome addition to any library! August 26, 2008

okay

It was okay. I expected better. I'm a huge fan of Tyler Perry's productions. I didn't really like this play. August 21, 2008

Mr Brown!

You know, any movie you put Mr. Brown in is an instant hit. You will find yourself fast forwarding to his parts! The acting is funny, especially by the nurses, and the Men are very easy on the eyes :). The story lines are easily predictable and could use some creativity, but I love the stageplay. August 13, 2008

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