Theater etiquette dictates that one arrive on time.
Tardiness disturbs the actors and other patrons and thats if one is lucky enough to be seated before intermission.
This show started at 8 o-damn-clock, now sit the hell down!
bellows Perry, cross-dressing as his infamous Madea character, to shocked latecomers across the room.
Its best to comply before she oh dear, too late.
Shes reaching into her pocketbook for a gun.
I know you didnt just say somethin to me!
Madea taunts, prop pistol cocked at the crowd.
Too much to remember?
Dont worry, none of it is all that important.
This is not a standard musical.
While the rest of the family sits idle for 20 minutes, Perry holds forth.
You have been tricked…by hip-hop culture, Madea says to anyone contemplating selling drugs.
That which is covered does not get healed, Perry says minutes later, about sexual violence in families.
Got a ruinous mortgage loan?
Not working hard enough to feed your family?
Madea is coming down your street next.
And woe betide the critic who sits front row, center, taking notes.
Theres somebody sitting in the front row reviewing the show right now, Perry informs the audience.
I hope its a good review, but if its not, God bless you!
Now, theres a question, since Madea/Perry brings it up: Is this review a good one?
Frankly, like the plot, it doesnt much matter.
Certainly, there are a host of problems withBig Happy Family, as with most of Perrys work.
But for allBig Happy Familys numerous faults, theres an abundance of charm.
The show is also funny, blisteringly so at times.
Is that green eyeshadow you got on?
Madea asks her nephews stuck-up girlfriend.You look like the princess and the frog!
Its jarring, but its also true.
As inartful and overbearing as he can be, Perry provides a form of entertainment no one else does.
Like a modern P.T.
Heck, hell even throw in a black man in a dress, if thatll entertain you.
