Tyler Perry to Helm For Colored Girls Film

By Andrew Gans
September 3, 2009

Writer-director Tyler Perry will pen a screen adaptation of the Tony-nominated Ntozake Shange play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.

Variety reports that Perry will also direct and produce the film for Lionsgate; Paul Hall is co-producer. (Nzingha Stewart had previously been attached to the project).

Filming, according to the industry paper, will begin in November in Atlanta. A 2010 release is planned.

Casting has yet to be announced.

Filmmaker Perry's "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself" is scheduled to open Sept. 11, and "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?" will arrive in April 2010.

The 1974 Obie-winning and Tony Award-nommed For Colored Girls played The Public Theater and jumped to Broadway 1976-78, with playwright Shange playing one of seven women who "reveal themselves, their lives, loves, hardships, and ultimately their discovery of strength and love."

The production was nominated for a 1977 Best Play Tony Award, and actress Trazana Beverley won a Tony in the category of Best Actress in a Featured Role (Play). The original Broadway company also featured Laurie Carlos, Risė Collins, Aku Kadogo, Janet League, Paula Moss and Ntozake Shange.

A 1982 TV version starred Shange, Laurie Carlos, Trazana Beverly, Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield.