He and I became really, really close during that play. You know we actually became friends the first year. JWK: Have you two become friends over the years?ĬD: Oh, my God, yeah. It’s a dream come true really to be on stage and be trusted to be comedic…You know, he allows us to just be true to our characters but at the same time be true to his piece…If he allows us to ad-lib sometimes, that’s a great feeling because to know that you’re in the same vein as the writer/creator/producer. Being on stage with Tyler, I have to make sure that I remember that I’m actually in the play and not just watching him (as) Madea. JWK: What’s it like working with Tyler Perry?ĬD: Oh, my. That’s, basically, what the play is about. That’s how I got into this whole business. You know, with God on your side you can really, really do all things. He (Tyler Perry) always has a Gospel theme that runs through. So, this particular one sheds light on the foster care system…Aunt Bam is sitting on her porch and she gets into knowing what the (new) neighbors are doing next door…Basically, the flip of it all is that Bam and Madea (become) the neighbors from hell…(But) it’s about children and the love for children and taking care children even if they’re not yours. JWK: So, tell me a little bit about Madea’s Neighbors from Hell.ĬD: Basically, it is as all of Tyler’s movies and TV shows, I think he really tries to always give a theme of some sort. JWK: You’ve played this character in stage and movie versions of Madea, correct?

JWK: So, that wasn’t revealed in previous installments? CASSI DAVIS: She’s really a second cousin to Madea…(laughs) I just found out this last play that she lives two doors down from Madea.

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