"Tears In My Eyes" Review

By: Jasmine Curry

Posted: 10/25/08

Star-studded. Truth-telling. Hilarious. J. Miller's 'Tears in My Eyes' explores the lives of the Watts family, the classic representation of your hometown's middle-class African-American unit. 'Tears in My Eyes' takes the audience along on an electric journey, displaying the unity, love, and struggles present within the average Black family.
Tyrell, the youngest child of Denise and Leon, helps us to live life through his eyes as his world is turned upside down. With his mother at church, and his dad's demanding work schedule, and the lack of presence of his siblings, Tyrell's life begins to tumble out of control. What has brought Tyrell's older brother Stephon to tears? Why is Darlene, Mom's best friend, spending so much time with Dad? All of these questions are answered as the story of the Watts family unfolds before the audience's eyes.
Selling out to a crowd of 1,800 in early October, 'Tears in My Eyes' is steadily gaining notoriety and a fan base. Although satisfied with an audience of 1,800, the play's producer J. Miller plans to expand his following to the entire east coast, and eventually to the entire nation.
"I am extremely proud of this project and this is a play that all families, regardless of racial or social background, need to see," Miller says, "We're taking this up and down the east coast, from New York to Philadelphia to Baltimore to Atlanta."
Miller, a Baltimore native himself, made it a priority to showcase his hometown's talent in the play, facilitated a city-wide talent search to find Baltimore's finest talent. Among this talent, includes James "Woody Rock" Green, a member of Baltimore-bred R&B group Dru Hill, in addition to The Wire's Norman "Lex" Jackson.
"We have a wealth of talent living right here in the city of Baltimore, and it's only right that we show the world another side of Baltimore, aside from the negative images that the media displays," explains Miller.
The play also flaunts the talents of musical powerhouse Kelly Price and gospel recording artist Jessica Greene.
"When I tell you we have big name appearances in the production, I mean business. This is not just a low budget project; we are reaching for the stars!" Miller excitedly states.
Most remarkable is the fact that 'Tears in My Eyes' is already being compared to Tyler Perry's world renowned work. Perry, who humbly began his career just as J. Miller has done, has gone on to produce some of America's most applauded plays and films. J. Miller says that he is just gracious that his name is even mentioned in the same sentence as Tyler Perry's.
"Mr. Perry has created a tremendous empire. From his plays to his films, he has set the precedent and made way for young, Black producers such as myself…I am honored that I am even compared to Tyler Perry," Miller anxiously expresses.
A drama that relates to men, women, boys, and girls; 'Tears in My Eyes' reveals how the Watt's family copes with life's struggles, high points, and spirituality. What else is going on with the Watt's family? Come see for yourself on November 1st and 2nd!
For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.com