The following is a press release from McGregor Hall, not a paid advertisement.
New Play Coming To McGregor Hall Delves Into Issues Facing The African-American Family
‘Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises’ Debuts On McGregor Hall Stage On MLK Jr. Weekend With Promise To Entertain & Educate Audience
HENDERSON, N.C. — “Come out and support issues facing the African-American family during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,” declared Garrett Davis, the award-winning urban theatrical playwright who recently announced that his latest stage play, “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” is coming to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the play starts at 8 p.m.
The play delves into the role of men as fathers, according to Davis, who said the issue of a fatherless home has become “a widespread problem, especially in the black community.” Davis, who is not one to shy away from hard issues, further explained that the play “takes audience members on an emotional journey that stresses the importance of fathering.”
During the production, the character Jessie known as Pops (Chris Ross) wasn’t always there for his three sons; however, when he’s faced with the last days of his life due to cancer, he comes to realize he needs to do more to be a better parent while he still has time. The three sons include Junior (Kenneth Pierce, Sr.), Punkin (Devonte Wells) and Charles (Dartez Wright).
“Each role will entertain you with humor, singing and an honest message that’s especially fit for young men, fathers and mothers,” Davis said, adding that “Daddy’s Boys” also educates men about prostate cancer.
According to the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Furthermore, PHEN reports the African American prostate cancer incidence rate is 60 percent higher, and mortality rate 150 percent higher compared to any other racial or ethnic group.
According to Davis, one of the major contributors to the prostate cancer crisis is a lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease. “Knowledge is critical to surviving prostate cancer,” he advised, noting that black men need to know about the their risk level, early detection testing and treatment options. “‘Daddy’s Boys,’” he said, “aims to help educate African American men about prostate cancer.”
This is not the first time Davis has created a play with a mission to educate and advocate. His plays, “Mama’s Girls” and “Mama’s Girls 2” partnered with American Association of Retired Persons to launch the “Prepare to Care” project — a national outreach effort that raises the awareness of caregiving as well as with the American Diabetes Association.
Another production, “Forget Me Not” is more personal for Davis as it was written to provide closure for his real-life inability to cope with and care for his Grandma Goodness stricken with Alzheimer’s. His outreach, advocacy and awareness for Alzheimer’s led to successful partnerships with the US Against Alzheimer’s Network, Emory Hospital’s Brain Center and AstraZeneca that allows him to reach more people and make a difference in people’s lives. His partnership with Emory Hospital’s Brain Center successfully registered over 100 participants for clinical trials.
Davis explained, “I would hate for there to be a cure but it didn’t apply to us for lack of knowledge.” In addition, as U.S. Ambassador for the National Alzheimer’s Association, Davis learned more about the disease, and the regulatory laws as well as the platform to educate and further share the importance of the caregiver. He co-founded The African American Network Against Alzheimer’s with Honorary Co-Chairs former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, Rev. Al Sharpton, The Honorable Kay Coles James and Melody Barnes, formerly of the Obama Administration.
Davis’ brand of reality infotainment as he calls it, impact the way we learn, feel, think and live our best lives. For “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” he invites you to join others in the region for this life-changing message.
Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.
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