‘Love Makes Things Happen’ Begins Performances on June 10
New York, NY (May 30, 2002) – Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and David E. Talbert announce the New York premiere of “Love Makes Things Happen,” a new musical featuring both new and classic songs by ten-time Grammy Award winner Babyface. “Love Makes Things Happen” will be at the Beacon Theatre from June 10 through June 16 (except June 13), as part of a 22-city national tour.
Heralded by USA Today (“Strong vocals and great cast make ‘Love’ happen”/February 21, 2002), “Love Makes Things Happen” is the heartwarming story of Sheila Carter, a good-looking, sharp-dressing, soul sistah at the crossroads of an ill-fated relationship. One night, while exiting the company elevator, she bumps into Chauncy Brown, who is handsome, charming and single — so, it’s all good! Well, almost … now Sheila, who makes six figures a year, has to decide if she can really love a man who only makes six dollars an hour.
“Love Makes Things Happen” features a host of show-stopping musical performances written by Babyface, including “Superwoman,” “Soon As I Get Home,” “Whip Appeal” and “Ready Or Not.” The show stars recording artists Kevon Edmonds (After 7), Coko (SWV), Dawn Robinson (En Vogue) and comedian Joe Torry (Def Comedy Jam).
As a musical writer/performer, Babyface has garnered 119 Top 10 R&B and pop hits, which include 57 #1’s, producing single and album sales in excess of 100 million units. Among the numerous artists who’ve recorded his music are Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Pink, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, ‘N Sync and The Backstreet Boys. In 1998, he received his third consecutive Grammy for Producer of the Year, a Grammy first. Babyface and his wife, Tracey Edmonds, also produced the critically-acclaimed film “Soul Food,” an African-American classic. Released in 1997, “Soul Food” grossed over $43 million at the box office, with video sales exceeding 2.5 million units, making it one of the most commercially successful African-American movies of all time.
“Love Makes Things Happen” is written and directed by David E. Talbert. Heralded by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the most prolific theater makers in America,” Talbert has toured nine plays, seen by over 2.5 million theatergoers. He received two NAACP Theater Award nominations for his plays “Lawd Ha’ Mercy” and “His Woman, His Wife.” His play “The Fabric Of A Man” won three NAACP Theater Awards. Talbert’s independent feature film, “A Woman Like That,” won the Urban World Film Award for Best Dramatic Feature. In television, Talbert’s play “He Say, She Say … But What Does God Say?” was adapted to create the UPN sitcom “Good News.” Two of his gospel musicals, “Mr. Right Now” and “His Woman, His Wife,” have been released on home video.
This play is the first in the national Urban Broadway Series, which will present plays, musicals and gospel-themed theatrical events, which encompass contemporary African-American experiences. Under the direction of David E. Talbert, the Urban Broadway Series produces quality live theatrical events through creative collaborations with the entertainment industry’s leading writers, directors and performers.