Full Issue Coming 2012

Full Issue Coming 2011

…a concert, play, and message wrapped up in one.

I was overjoyed with my telephone interview with Ms. Vivica A. Fox, star in the new stage play production, Cheaper to Keep Her. She was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule—literally, minutes from taking the stage—to sit and talk with me…

I wanted to know more about this play and her role as Morgan Mays, and as co-producer of this romantic comedy, full-stage play, Vivica was primed and ready to go. She explained her character as the perfect, typical Stepford wife, who puts her dreams aside to help her husband, Raymond (played by Brian McKnight… Uh, who sang every bit of greatness!), realize his. She introduces Eddie (played by Christian Keyes… Honey!) into the conversation, a previous love interest who is brought back into the picture, all the while reminding her fans—and interviewer—to keep love alive even while the years go by.

In the conversation, you could feel Vivica’s passion and her approachability, which made everything so easy… When I asked her about the transition from the big screen to the stage, her sultry voice pulled you in, “The stage is intimate. You’re live and in color. If you make a mistake, it’s all out there. But the best part is that your fans are right there and they get to see you in person.”

The play is definitely humorous, offering the audience punches of comedic episodes with Gary “G Thang” Johnson (as Joey) and Jonathon Slocumb (as Aston); and with that are the serious undertones, the relational messages that people could walk away with and that’s what I wanted to discuss with Vivica. I was sharing the very sad facts that women, similar to the play, are forfeiting their dreams for their significant other and how women, African-American especially, are heading up their families because of failed relationships. She was right there with me expressing that, “Nothing is wrong with supporting your man, but don’t lose yourself.” When asked to choose a demographic to speak to, Vivica chose women… “This is a message to the ladies. Don’t lose your values and make him value you, too.”

She expressed the fact that when you’re in love, you’ll make things work. We had tons of laughs just thinking about all that women go through and that they forget to have a Plan B… You know, the thing your momma always told you about? Yeah, that Plan.

Along with her realness, I appreciated Vivica’s humility and sensitivity. With acknowledging the recession and the many struggles people bear, her first concern was for the people and reassuring them that they were receiving a quality play for a superb cost. And, she didn’t leave me without giving honor where it’s due, “I remember to stay humble and I know where my blessings come from. I thank the Lord everyday for His blessings.”

I was glad to hear that she’s busy with her own wig line, Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection, offering 90 different wigs and she invited everyone to go to www.vivicafoxhair.com to see more. And it doesn’t stop there… She is the voice behind the DJ, Angel Dynamic, in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and this holiday season, we can see her as Zoe in Farewell Mr. Kringle—a Hallmark Channel original movie, which will air on December 4^th. As I was ending the call, Vivica—who I must say seemed as if I knew her all along—responded to my comment of how busy she is, by saying “2010 has been a blessed year for me.” By the looks of it, it has been!

Vivica invited me out to see the play once it hits Maryland and I plan to be right there… Go right now to www.imreadyproductions.com for tour dates of when Cheaper to Keep Her comes to your city and other information.

Interviewed By: VeRonda Wicks, Editor in Chief