Behind the scenes at Tyler Perry’s big party
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, October 05, 2008
“A Place Where Dreams Believe.” Guests were greeted with those words etched in glass as they entered director Tyler Perry’s lavish new film and television studios in southwest Atlanta Saturday night.
Dressed in a cream-colored tuxedo, Perry, 39, told Buzz: “There comes a time in life when your dream takes on a life of its own. That’s what ‘A Place Where Dreams Believe’ is all about.”
Allen Sullivan/aesullivan@ajc.com
Tyler Perry threw a star-filled party to show off his studio.
Perry proceeded to politely excuse himself when he caught singer Patti LaBelle out of the corner of his eye. The film producer dashed down the red carpet for a quick hug and kiss. And then Buzz overheard the multi-millionaire tell the member of R&B royalty: “Excuse me, I was in the middle of an interview. I’ll see you inside!”
Miraculously, Perry then returned to the likes of us.
Our logical follow-up: Why?
Perry laughed as he looked around him at the screen legends Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson surrounding him. He shook his head and added: “This is just overwhelming to me. This abandoned building was built the same year I was born. It’s like it was here waiting for me. And to get to share this evening with these people is just unbelievable.”
Quoting Poitier’s legendary line from “In the Heat of the Night,” Perry told us: ” ‘They call me Mister Tibbs.’ Sidney Poitier taught me it’s OK to demand respect as a black man. These people paved the way.”
LaBelle, clad in a gorgeous black gown and red clutch told us admiringly: “Tyler’s like my son. I love how grounded he remains. To this day, if he approaches me at an event, he always introduces himself to my hair and make-up people. Unlike a lot of people in this business, they’re not invisible to him. That’s the key to his success.”
Home run kings on the carpet
Both of baseball’s home run kings were on hand to help Perry celebrate over the weekend at well. On Tyler Perry Studios’ status as the first film and television studio owned and operated by an African-American producer, Barry Bonds told us: “This is history here tonight. What’s he’s done here is amazing. Sorry, Oprah!”
Earlier, Billye Aaron told us: “We wouldn’t have missed this for anything tonight.” Added Hank Aaron: “Not only is Tyler a success but he’s giving back to this city and to Southwest Atlanta by opening his studio here. Now, our black children can walk down the street here, take a look at this impressive building and say to themselves ‘If Tyler can do it, so can I.’ That’s a lasting gift.”
Hollywood royalty reunites
Inside the studios Saturday night, Buzz was delighted to spot screen legends and old friends Tyson and Poitier catching up with each other. Poitier had Tyson laughing so hard she was stomping her tiny feet. That just encouraged the Oscar winner to make Tyson laugh more.
One thing Tyson took seriously? Her now-classic monologue Perry wrote for her as the matriarch in “Madea’s Family Reunion.” In the speech, delivered on the steps of a slave quarters shack on a real plantation, Tyson takes today’s generation to task for not fully appreciating the ground that has been broken for them.
Of the scene, Tyson reflected: “I read that script and I remember thinking, ‘It’s about time someone said this. And I was thrilled to be the person to get to say it.’ “
As Poitier posed for pictures with Perry just prior to having Stage 1 named for him, Poitier told the studio’s owner: “I’m glad I’m the old man here tonight and you’re the young man!”
And dressed regally in black with a white blossom in her hair? Perry fan Oprah Winfrey who let the tears flow as an emotional Poitier was honored.
Clowning down the carpet
The comic relief at Saturday night’s opening? Actor Will Smith who clowned around on the red carpet with the press before striding up to “Entertainment Tonight’s” make-shift set. Resident Tyler Perry movie scene stealer Jennifer Lewis was her usual outrageous self as she announced to Buzz that she remains on the prowl for a husband. Of her comic roles in “Meet the Browns” and “Madea’s Family Reunion,” Lewis said: “Tyler knows I’m gonna bring it for him whenever he hires me. He knows he’s going to get that energy. The only time I turn it off is when I’m asleep!” As for Perry’s choice of real estate for the studio, Lewis added: “It’s right where’s it’s supposed to be. Right here. In the community. Perfect!”
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“What else did we expect from Tyler Perry? He’s a master of knowing how to turn a phrase and how to create memorable moments. But I’m holding back the tears because I don’t want to re-do my make-up!”
—WSB-TV anchor Monica Pearson reflecting on the fireworks and the fragrant canopy of fresh flowers overhead as guests took “the walk of faith” to the studio’s backlot stage dedications.
