Mariah & Janet To Star In Tyler Perry's Next Film

Just Tuesday, Tyler Perry celebrated the premiere of his 10th dramadie, Why Did I Get Married, Too, but the director is already gearing up to film his adaptation of Ntozake Shange 1975 award-winning play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.

According to a report from AOL’s Black Voices, Perry has lined up a definitive cast of female all-stars including: Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington, Jurnee Smollett, Macy Gray, Kimberly Elise, and Loretta Devine. Despite Perry initially revealing to Black Voices in September that his dream cast would include such notables as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Oprah Winfrey and Halle Berry only two of his top choices—Carey and Elise—will be included.

Although word of Perry’ next undertaking was met with criticism from various African American blogs questioning his ability to justify Shange’s classic play, the film is expected to begin filming in June with hopes of a winter 2010 or 2011 release.

"Making a film of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf is a dream come true for me," Perry said. "Ntozake Shange's play is a magnificent tribute to the strength and dignity of women of color, and I think audiences of all generations will be able to recognize and embrace the experiences these women represent. Creatively, this movie is one of the most exciting undertakings of my career."

In late October, Perry announced he would be writing, directing and producing a film version of the play, the first under his new production company 34th Street Films. — Tracy Garraud