Classic Film, B.A.P.S., Which Starred Halle Berry, Is Coming To The Stage
B.A.P.S., the popular 90s comedy starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle Reid, is coming to a stage near you. The film is being adapted into a stage play that will tour in major U.S. cities beginning this Spring. B.A.P.S. is beloved among fans and many are excited to see it brought to the stage.
B.A.P.S. the movie
An acronym for Black American Princesses, B.A.P.S. is a comedy starring Berry and Natalie Reid that premiered in 1997. The film follows two restaurant workers from Georgia with big aspirations who move to Los Angeles to audition for an acting gig that they plan to use to jumpstart their careers as entrepreneurs. Berry and Desselle’s characters agree to act as the niece of a rich man’s long lost love for a big paycheck and build an unexpected bond with the dying man.
The film was written by Troy Beyer and directed by Robert Townsend. B.A.P.S. received mainly negative reviews from critics and with a $10 million budget, only generated a little over $7 million at the box office.
Variety despised the film in its 1997 review, writing, “Utterly formulaic and, with the exception of a few scenes, distastefully fake, Robert Townsend’s new screwball comedy, “B.A.P.S.,” is a modern fairy tale that imposes the premise of “Pretty Woman” on the familiar fish-out-of-water format.”
Despite critics reviews, Berry has said that it was the most fun she ever had working on a film. The movie also became a cult classic and favorite amongst viewers.
Fans loved the film for Berry stepping out of her usual dramatic roles and transforming into a spunkier character. The costumes were also a huge hit, with many continuing to dress up as the main characters in their pleather jumpsuits and gold teeth today.
There were talks of a sequel, with Berry confirming that she’d participate in the follow-up if the film is greenlit.
Je’Cayrous Johnson announces B.A.P.S. stage play
Fans have been begging for a sequel since Berry posed the question last summer. Though a follow-up may or may not happen, urban playwriter, Je’Caryous Johnson, announced that he’s bringing the iconic film to the stage in a new production.
Johnson made the announcement on his Instagram account on Feb. 12.
“Just announced!! Je’Caryous Johnson is back bringing your favorite movie classics to the stage. And this time, he’s rolling out the royal carpet for an incomparable revamp of the modern, urban fairytale, B.A.P.S,” he captioned a photo of the poster art for the play.
Reid is reviving her role as Nisi while comedian, Jasmin Brown, will take Berry’s role as Mickey.
Over the past few years, Johnson has grown famous for his stage play renditions of classic black films. He’s already successfully adapted Love Jones, Two Can Play That Game, and Set It Off. His plays have featured major stars, including Vivica A. Fox, Porsha Williams, LeToya Luckett and Da Brat just to name a few.
The tour kicks off in Washington D.C. on March 12 and has stops in Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland, St Louis and Detroit. Tickets are currently on sale now.
