but i 'm a cheerleader is a 1999 satirical romantic comedy film directed by jamie babbit and written by brian wayne peterson .

natasha lyonne stars as megan bloomfield , a high school cheerleader whose parents send her to a residential inpatient conversion therapy camp to cure her lesbianism .

there megan soon comes to embrace her sexual orientation , despite the therapy , and falls in love .

the supporting cast includes melanie lynskey , dante basco , eddie cibrian , clea duvall , cathy moriarty , katrina phillips , rupaul , richard moll , mink stole , kip pardue , michelle williams , and bud cort .

but i 'm a cheerleader was babbit 's first feature film .

it was inspired by an article about conversion therapy and her childhood familiarity with rehabilitation programs .

she used the story of a young woman finding her sexual identity to explore the social construction of gender roles and heteronormativity .

the costume and set design of the film highlighted these themes using artificial textures in intense blues and pinks .

when it was initially rated as nc-17 by the mpaa , babbit made cuts to allow it to be re-rated as r .

when interviewed in the documentary film this film is not yet rated babbit criticized the mpaa for discriminating against films with gay content .

many critics did not like the film , comparing it unfavorably with the films of john waters and criticizing the colorful production design .

although the lead actors were praised for their performances , some of the characters were described as stereotypical .

but i ' m a cheerleader

but i ' m a cheerleader clip . . . soooooo sweet ! - youtube
finding your true direction : but i’m a cheerleader | birth . movies . death .
soundtrack from the [ wonderful ] movie
but i ' m a cheerleader .
drunk lesbians watch
but i ' m a cheerleader
( feat . tania safi )
a but , i’m a cheerleader musical ? ! we can already picture the pom - pom dance numbers .
a clip from the end of but i ' m a cheerleader . music is glass vase cello case by tattle tale
from the
sew true
album , included on the soundtrack for
but i ' m a cheerleader
.
i ' m pumped for the movie , i ' m just tired of all the blind hatred for it .
looking for movie tickets ? enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing but i ' m a cheerleader near you .
“but i’m a cheerleader” is a satirical look at the absurdity of the anti - gay movement . what i first i saw as a predictable film about an american high school cheerleader and her boyfriend turned into a triumphant portrayal of sexual …
the scene in “but i’m a cheerleader” in which megan and graham first kiss is ripe with discussion - worthy material ( watch here : but i \ ’m a cheerleader – first kiss ) . to recoup , graham follows megan outside of cocksuckers after megan grows jealous that …
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but i ' m a cheerleader
, bound , lesbianism . bookmark the permalink .
i agree completely . i loved the hell out of mos , so i know i ' m going to love the dceu .
i guess i ' m the only one who ' s never seen that movie .
critics think that but i ' m a cheerleader could have been better . the acting is stiff at times and the plot is surprisingly unoriginal .
broadly conceived and schematically directed ,
but i ' m a cheerleader
is a shallow , only mildly entertaining satire about a rehabilitation camp for gays and lesbians .
' but i ' m a cheerleader ' , starring rupaul charles , natasha lyonne and clea duvall set to all american rejects ' dirty little secret .
“so i ' m not someone who really watches
kid ' s shows
but i freaking love stephen universe ! ! it heals my soul . i ' m . . . ”
doors open at 6 : 30 pm . saving face will begin at 7 : 10 pm , with but i’m a cheerleader to follow at 9 pm .
i hate it along with pharell williams happy . . . maybe i ' m a misery . : p
“but i’m a cheerleader” was not well received by critics , who claimed babbit tried too hard to imitate john waters with her colorful sets and overtly artificial scenery .
it was announced today that but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical , based on the 1999 lionsgate cult classic , will receive its first london exploratory reading .
tattle tale - sew true 1995 | st . francis records glass vase cello case love theme to feature film , . . . but i ' m a cheerleader .
i ' m on a boat ( ft . t - pain ) - album version
director jamie babbit’s “but i’m a cheerleader” is a hilarious 1999 cult romantic comedy that successfully satirizes the gay community , the social construction of gender roles , heteronormativity and the religious right .
i would love to direct a full blown musical . maybe sometime soon . they did a musical version of but i’m a cheerleader in london with the kinky boots director . if they find investors i know they want to mount it as a musical on broadway !
3 . new girl sandy somehow becomes a cheerleader after being a rydell high student for only a day . also , she sucks at being a cheerleader .
“i would love to direct a full blown musical . maybe sometime soon . they did a musical version of but i’m a cheerleader in london with the kinky boots director . if they find investors i know they want to mount it as a musical on broadway ! ”
i ' m thinking this as well . i just can ' t see it going well at all .
sooo . . . i ' m fairly certain we can debunk this rumour .
i loved it . i wanted to see it twice in a row but the theatre was closing .
broadway director and choreographer jerry mitchell could be aiming to score a hat - trick in the west end , as he directs a showcase reading of a new musical adaptation of 1999 film but i ' m a cheerleader .
publishers market to the press , but they’re not members of the press , and since i’m also a book reviewer , and i’ve advocated heavily for these books myself , i have my own contacts . i’ll call up
but i ' m a cheerleader is an important , fun and infectious new musical about being who you are and never being afraid of that truth . i can ' t wait to tell this story .
if the last film’s title put me off a little , this one’s title is the reason i wanted to watch it . but i’m a cheerleader is a 1999 film directed by jamie babbit that provides a satirical look at conversion therapy for homosexuals . bit of a dark subject i know , but i’m a sucker for satires and with a title like that , i was hopeful . like always if you care to avoid any potential plot spoilers avoid the first couple paragraphs !
“i would love to direct a full blown musical . maybe sometime soon , ” said babbit . “they did a musical version of but i’m a cheerleader in london with the kinky boots director . if they find investors i know they want to mount it as a musical on broadway ! ”
4 . i ' m still in love with you - sean paul feat . sasha
but she tells same same she’s also working on a musical version of cheerleader for the great white way .
graham smiles back . “i’m glad i could make you happy . do you want some help putting it on ? ”
we’re a few years from a 20 th anniversary celebration of the comedy film but i’m a cheerleader . however , stars clea duvall , melanie lynskey , and natasha lyonne being in outfest darling the intervention ( with duvall also writing and directing ! ) definitely gave us a great excuse to look back at the 2000 classic . and with both films having lgbt themes and characters , let’s catch up with everyone from but i’m a cheerleader .
“oh my fucking god their outfits alone i lag behind because i watch this on hulu but oh gosh i . . . ”
but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical , based on the 1999 lions gate film by jamie babbit and brian wayne peterson , begins performances sept . 13 at the theatre at saint clements .
additionally crow and elk productions said
adam bialow has and continues to champion bill augustin and andy abrams ' musical reworking of the cult film but i ' m a cheerleader . bialow has been involved in the musical ' s development since its birth at new york musical theatre festival and has been integral to the process of bringing but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical to london .
these days , natasha lyonne is most loved for her portrayal of nicky nichols on netflix’s “orange is the new black .
but 14 years ago , lyonne played another iconic lgbt character in the satirical indie “but i’m a cheerleader . ”
oh my god , let me tell you about that night . so i have a free coupon to get like a dozen doughnuts , so i go , “all right , say no more . ” i go make moves — we’re all in line , we’re just talking . i was like , “yo , i’m about to make a video , i’m about to do a flip . ” so i give them my coupon , i’m like , “stand in line , get the dozen doughnuts , i’m gonna go over here and make this video , ” and all that .
it’s been 17 years since the lesbian cult comedy but , i’m a cheerleader hit theaters , and now the movie’s star , natasha lyonne and director jamie babbit have reunited for a new film , addicted to fresno .
i would love to direct a full blown musical ,
says
cheerleader
director jamie babbit .
, i was able to find a better - quality version of the original vine — one that had been posted a week before fab cheerleader’s . but , like fab cheerleader , funnyvinevideos didn’t credit the original author of the
exactly , i just think it ' s ridiculous . like , i don ' t think civil war trailer looks that good ( a but too similar to winter soldier ) but i ' m not gonna let that determine what i think the actual movie will end up being .
in a recent interview with same same , jamie babbitt , the cult classic’s director ( and filmmaker behind the upcoming addicted to fresno ) talked a little bit about but i’m a cheerleader and how it has continued to impact her career .
jerry mitchell said today :
but i ' m a cheerleader is an important , fun and infectious new musical about being who you are and never being afraid of that truth . i can ' t wait to tell this story .
jerry mitchell said today :
but i ' m a cheerleader is an important , fun and infectious new musical about being who you are and never being afraid of that truth . i can ' t wait to tell this story .
i would love to direct a full blown musical . maybe sometime soon ,
babbit recently told same same .
they did a musical version of but i ' m a cheerleader in london with the kinky boots director . if they find investors i know they want to mount it as a musical on broadway !
i ' m happy that it ' s getting positive reactions , but i just know some people are gonna hte on it just because it ' s dc or not a marvel movie .
7 ) but i ' m a cheerleader becomes a musical ! an early musical version of the 1999 film had a sold out developmental workshop at the new york theater festival , where it won the audience award for best new musical . but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical will receive an exploratory reading in london december 6 . the reading will be led by jerry mitchell , producer of kinky boots , with book and lyrics by bill augustin and andrew abrams .
i hope i never see dallas winston again . if i do . . . . i ' d probably fall in love with him .
when i need motivation my one solution is my queen ' cause she stays strong yeah , yeah she is always in my corner right there when i want her * all these other girls are tempting but i ' m empty when you ' re gone
and they say [ pre - hook : ] do you need me ? do you think i ' m pretty ? * do i make you feel like cheating ? i ' m like no , not really ' cause * [ hook : ] oh , * i think
that i ' ve found myself a cheerleader she is always right there when i need her oh , i think that i ' ve found myself a cheerleader she is always right there when i need her [ verse 2 : ] she walks like a model she grants my wishes like a genie in a bottle yeah , yeah ' cause i ' m the wizard of love and i got the magic wand * all these other girls are tempting but i ' m empty when you ' re gone * and they say hate it , worst song this year imo . the lyrics are dreadfully awful .
the world has changed a lot since but i’m a cheerleader , jamie babbit’s witty comedy about a cheerleader sent to a conversion therapy camp , debuted in 1999 . who would have thought ( or hoped ) in 1999 that gay marriage would be legal in all 50 states less than two decades later ? or that conversion therapy would be on its way to being banned nationally ? released the same year as boys don’t cry and american pie , but i’m a cheerleader treads that fine line between being socially important and goofy fun . last year’s carol was highly praised for being one of the few films with a lesbian love story to have a happy ending . but i’m a cheerleader is another – and probably the only movie in film history to have a happily ever after tied to a story about two ladies who fall in love at conversion camp .
but i’m a cheerleader isn’t trying to be subtle . the absurdity of gender expectations is put on display with a too - bubbly soundtrack . because : our society’s gender expectations are insane . and , it’s downright crazy to try to force an identity and sexuality on a person . but , but i’m a cheerleader gives us a little hope at the end of a wacky lace - trimmed narrative . while the camp wasn’t exposed , while the girls weren’t guaranteed their families , megan still performed a radical action in embracing both her identity as a lesbian and as a cheerleader . she challenged the expectations of her prescribed role , and still got the girl in the end .
in the long run , i ' m sure we ' ll be fine , and even if it ' s cool to hate and critics bash it , i guess we ' ll still have a movie with bloody superman , batman and wonder woman in it . but i ' m hopeful .
cheerleader could have been written as a dramatic analysis of gay rehabilitation programs and how it affects those that go through it , but thank goodness it was not . sometimes a situation needs to be laughed at instead of dwelled on and cried over . but i’m a cheerleader certainly has its flaws , but it recognizes just how ridiculous places like true directions are , and it allows us to laugh at those very institutions .
i ' m sexy , i ' m cute , i ' m popular to boot ,
sings lindsay sloane as big red in the punched - up opening scene .
i ' m bitchin ' , great hair , the boys all love to stare . don ' t hate us ' cause we ' re beautiful , ' cause we don ' t like you either . we ' re cheerleaders .
( 2013 ) ' ] if you ' re at all a reasonable human being when you ' re 34 years old , you don ' t read scripts looking at the children ' s parts . i don ' t really feel like i need to be a teenager ever again . it ' s really a miracle that i made it out alive . i ' m doing all right being in my 30s - i think i ' m hitting my sweet spot . i ' m glad to have . . .
i know this is no easy task , but i ' ll try to help you brainstorm your personal statement story .
i only saw it twice in cinemas but probably over 7 times now , gets better each time i watch it .
so there you have it ! but i’m a cheerleader may end up on broadway soon . and if you’re an investor , now is your chance to make a lot of people really , really happy by helping get this inspirational story onto the big stage .
i’m willing to bet my life this was not biggie’s idea . i’d believe you if you told me puff had armed guards force him into the studio . ma $ e hopped in and said some squeaky clean “i might dress like a crossing guard but i’m still street” shit . this right before he started shooting himself outta cannons in harlem world videos and playing puffy’s cheerleader . however…i can’t hate this . mostly because of nostalgia . but i won’t pretend like it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb , or that it don’t sound like it was intended for a nickelodeon movie soundtrack .
even though what’s going to happen is obvious , that doesn’t make but i’m a cheerleader a bad movie . the film offers consistent laughs and enough good fun to be a fluffy , enjoyable film . the comedy comes from knowing just how pointless and silly true directions really is .
while “but i’m a cheerleader” pokes fun at some stereotypes , it does not reinforce character stereotypes . the gay males are not all depicted as effeminate , and the females are not all masculine . the varying appearances and personalities create an interesting dynamic .
“this was interesting to read . i ' m glad your female coworkers have been so accepting . i hope things are going well . . . ”
' but i ' m a cheerleader ' is one of those movies that i ' ve been meaning to watch for a long time , but i ' ve never been able to get a hold of it because it ' s hard to find ! i ' ve been told it ' s got something of a cult following , which is something that always appeals to me , but based on some of the reviews , i was expecting it to really suck ! well , there are times when i disagree on the general critical reception of a certain film , and this is one of those times .
broadly conceived and schematically directed , “but i’m a cheerleader” is a shallow , only mildly entertaining satire about a rehabilitation camp for gays and lesbians . basically a short extended to feature length , the movie benefits from a well - grounded performance by natasha lyonne as the vivacious teenager sent for sexual ( dis ) orientation , but suffers from cathy moriarty’s irritatingly [ … ]
dj khaled - i ' m the one ft . justin bieber , quavo , chance the rapper , lil wayne
# 5 . fuck you tonight feat . r . kelly how the fuck the first collab track goin ' be a ballad with r kelly ? i probably liked this when i was a kid , but i woulda been a kid . this ain’t painful or nothing but we can keep a theme going ? this is one of the tracks i’m likely to skip , plain hasn’t aged well .
dick also offers thrust - for - thrust comparisons of straight sex scenes from mainstream movies like american beauty , single white female , unfaithful and american pie with gay scenes from more independently spirited movies such as but i ' m a cheerleader , boys don ' t cry , mysterious skin and where the truth lies . dick argues that while straight scenes were passed with audience - friendly ' r ' ratings ( minors admitted with accompanying parent or guardian ) , cara often deemed gay material ' adults - only ' fare . jamie babbit , director of but i ' m a cheerleader , says : ' what ' s offensive is that they say they are rating movies as
average american parents
, but i ' m an
average american parent
. i ' m a lesbian ; i have a daughter ; i pay taxes . is there anyone on the ratings board who ' s a parent like me ? i doubt it . '
as a cheerleader , you ' re saying , ' i agree to wear this costume and i agree to cheer for the boys , '
bendinger said .
there was kind of a cultural moment of , ' oh , god ! i’m wearing a patriarchal uniform that’s appealing to the male gaze . '
there was kind of a cultural moment of , ' oh , god ! i’m wearing a patriarchal uniform that’s appealing to the male gaze . '
but i’m a cheerleader initially received an nc - 17 rating . this rating was only lowered to r ( thus opening the film up to distribution ) when the director agreed to cut a scene featuring the lead female character masturbating . through her clothes . while thinking about a person , and not a pie .
but i ' m a cheerleader - rating and distribution . . . when originally submitted to the motion picture association of america rating board , but i ' m a cheerleader received an nc - 17 rating . . . in order to get a commercially - viable r rating , babbit removed a two second shot of graham ' s hand sweeping megan ' s clothed body , a camera pan up . . . a critique of the mpaa ' s rating system , it suggests that films with homosexual content are treated more stringently than those with only heterosexual content , and that . . .
jamie babbit , writer and director of but i ' m a cheerleader , created her film with a teenage audience in mind . but her film , which had no violence and little sexuality , had to fight an nc - 17 rating as well . babbit told dick that she “felt discriminated against for making a film about gay teenagers . ”
this is a guest review by erin fenner . but i’m a cheerleader , directed by jamie babbit , plays with stereotypes . but not like , “haha let’s use broad generalizations to create characters , but never develop them . ” no , this film paints everything pink and blue ( pretty much literally ) and then asks the audience : really ? is this what gender and sexuality should look like ? it’s even in the title . but i’m a cheerleader is about a teenage girl , megan ( natasha lyonne ) , who’s naïve about her own sexuality because she fits so comfortably into the norm of femininity . she’s christian , an “all - american girl” and a cheerleader , so she doesn’t suspect that her attraction to women and sexual disinterest with men is a sign that she’s a lesbian .
regardless of critical reception , the film quickly gained a cult following and has become one of the most popular lgbt romantic comedies in america . for those who can appreciate the satirical dissection of stereotypes related to gender and sexuality , “but i’m a cheerleader” is an absolute must - see .
musical adaptations of movies can often be a recipe for disaster . still , some of our favorite teen flicks like bring it on , heathers , and jawbreaker have hit the stage , receiving a range of praise and criticism . now the cult classic but i ' m a cheerleader may join the club .
i am 15 and i don ' t totally understand why this movie has such a bad rating . i didn ' t find anything too bad about it . there is one sex scene , but it i . . . continue reading
its stats are all right , but kinda basic , as far as i can see .
new edition fans expect you guys to emulate those classic dance steps . was it hard getting bobby’s moves down ? you wake up 6 a . m . in the morning , ready . and then you have brooke payne on your back . he’s new edition’s original choreographer . and he’s hardcore . i’m thinking i got some rhythm , so i’m doing my steps . i feel like i’m killing it . and [ brooke ] cuts the music off…i’m smiling . and he’s like , “yeah , sit on down , you ain’t got it . ” and i’m like , “yo…this is crazy ! ” i loved it though . he pushed us extremely hard to not only look good [ individually ] , but to look good as a group . that was the most important thing . these guys have been doing it for like 30 plus years , so we had to build that same chemistry with only three weeks .
unfortunately — probably because of its lgbt - centered storyline — it never reached the level of national recognition that it deserved . like many other under - appreciated gems , but i’m a cheerleader was relegated to cult classic status , destined to remain a beloved addition to the collections of the small audience it reached . but that could change soon .
what makes but i’m a cheerleader so special is its distinct lack of shame . when megan is first questioned about possibly being a lesbian , she says something to the effect of “i don’t think those thoughts are unnatural . ” she might not have known she was a lesbian , but she never assumed or even thought that her sexy fantasies about her cheerleading pals were bad , something to be ashamed of .
duvall , lynskey and lyonne were all together in the 1999 film “but i’m a cheerleader , ” and duvall noted they have remained friends . as someone asked a question regarding how their off - screen friendship was reflected in the film , duvall tried to hand a microphone to lynskey , who repeatedly handed it back .
“i feel shattered , but you learn from it . when i wake up in the morning i get that sinking feeling , you know ? but you have to deal with it , you have to go forward . it’s given me a lot more resolve to do what i want to do . ”
stole ) , a cute boyfriend , fun friends and a spot on the cheerleading squad . imagine her surprise upon arriving home to find that her nearest and dearest have staged an intervention , and are packing her off to the true directions program to escape the curse of lesbianism .
but i ' m a cheerleader ,
the showcase reading of but i ' m a cheerleader , which has book and lyrics by bill augustin and music by andrew abrams will take place this friday 6 december ( at the same time as our whatsonstage awards launch party ! ) and marks the first london presentation of the show .
i ' m ready to see a darker , grittier and more real side of things . i want to see people fretting about the implications of a god on earth . i want to see people debate about the cost of victory when that cost was a major city . i want to see villains who are more complex than
i am evil because !
.
like i always do when i say hi to someone . dating is weird for me .
“i think you’re the most beautiful thing i’ve ever seen . ” graham replies , truthfully .
cheerleader . a word that makes me want to hurl and is too often used to describe yours truly . i guess a bubbly , outgoing personality and attractive physique means you are a cheerleader . i sit excitedly waiting to hear my name . it’s 2006 . i’m 14 , and i’ve made it all the way to the florida state science fair for my experiment on determining whether bacteria or fungi is more effective in cleaning up oil spills ( bp could have used my help ) . i finally hear my name called and eagerly rush up to meet one of the judges to discuss my project . i spot him and am about to introduce myself . before i can get a word out , he stops me , saying ,
let me guess , you’re a cheerleader .
let me clear the air now i am not now nor have i ever been a cheerleader . firstly , i lack the acrobatic prowess required for such a role . secondly , i hate the label . i correct the judge , to his embarrassment . we continue on to have an intelligent discussion about bioremediation , and i end up placing third in the state and winning an award from nasa .
objectively , it ' s amateurish , but i managed to tell a sweet story that demonstrated my interest in comedy .
in this introduction , i ' ve told you a story about me from my past that reveals who i am , and i analyze it to show you what kind of storyteller i want to be .
the blonde quickly gets up to kiss her anxious girlfriend . “seriously , don’t worry ! i’m so happy that you did this ! i love you so much , graham ! ”
she said :
i ' m remembered mostly for ' hocus pocus . when i grew up , they ' d mostly say ' ohhh , allison , ' but thankfully , they keep the ' yabbos ' comment to themselves .
i loved man of steel , but i absolutely hate the casting for lex in the movie , i cannot stand eisenbergs portrayal of lex and it is effecting my opinion of the film greatly .
“i just wanted to become a bigger piece of the puzzle , ” she added . “the more i do this the less i become interested in just my part . i want to be a part of all of it . ”
@ kanyeeast22 i still like mo ' money but no , fuck you tonight never grew on me .
# 9 . b . i . g interlude one minute musical interlude sampling schooly d . while it sounds nice , i’m sure this is just padding to stretch the track list to a double album .
if you think you see it all , here ' s a film that rasies questions . in the movie ,
but , i ' m a cheerleader
, megan is just a normal girl is doesn ' t know she ' s a lesbian . now , in some places , this isn ' t a problem and will go away alone but not in megan ' s case . it turns out in her case , being a homosexual is illegal .
though peppered with both silly hetero and homo stereotypes ( “foreplay is for sissies ! real men go in , unload and pull out ! ” ) , but i’m a cheerleader is still an important staple in queer film history . this movie , along with slums of beverly hills and girl , interrupted , launched natasha lyonne’s and clea duvall’s careers . it’s sad to think we probably wouldn’t have nicky nichols without but i’m a cheerleader ! released sometime between ellen coming out and willow rosenberg ( alyson hannigan ) falling for tara ( amber benson ) on buffy the vampire slayer , but i’m a cheerleader was one of the first movies to showcase not only a lesbian love story , but a positive gay teen romance . megan ( natasha lyonne ) is a picture perfect teenage girl – she has long blonde hair , a handsome football player boyfriend , loving parents and is a star cheerleader . however , and not for lack of trying , she just doesn’t like making out with her boyfriend . she hangs pictures of women in her locker at school and room at home , including , gasp , famed rocker lesbian melissa etheridge , and tries to make her parents eat tofu .
synopsis : but i’m a cheerleader : megan is an all - american girl . she’s a cheerleader and has a boyfriend , but she doesn’t like kissing him very much , and she’s pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends , and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker . her parents and friends conclude that she * must * be gay and send her off to “sexual redirection” school , full of admittedly homosexual misfits , where she can learn how to be straight . will megan be turned around to successful heterosexuality , or will she succumb to her love for the beautiful graham ?
i love natasha lyonne . i have loved her ever since i first saw her in the slums of beverly hills . i don ' t know if it ' s the wild , untamable mane , the new york accent that even the finest elocution lessons couldn ' t curb , or her seemingly
fuck you , i do what i want
attitude . i ' m thinking it ' s the whole package , wrapped in day - glo paper and hastily tied with a barbed wire bow . when i found out she was starring in a new independent body horror film i was all over it . i mean , they had me at
natasha
but i stayed for the
body horror
.
the 1999 film
but i ' m a cheerleader
concerned a teenage girl who is sent to a
sexual redirection
school when her parents fear she is lesbian . the movie ' s cast included natasha lyonne , clea duvall , cathy moriarty , rupaul , michelle williams , mink stole , bud cort , melanie lynskey and joel michaely .
when will people learn that not everything is suited to be made into a musical ? i love this movie , and i generally like musicals , but this is just a no - no .
i hate it too . glad i ' m not the only one . i hate it because of the
she ' s always there when i need her
- yep , no other life at all . i guess i shouldn ' t take it so literally . though i hated that emili sande one about her boyfriend always being right next to her and not going to the pub or whatever it was - i thought it sounded like he had no self respect .
but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical is the story of megan , an all - american high school cheerleader who seems to have it all ; she ' s popular , pretty , intelligent , has a football player boyfriend and lives the perfect high school life . but that ' s all about to change ! her friends and family suspect megan is a lesbian , and after staging an intervention , send her packing to the ' true directions ' rehabilitation camp to put her on the straight and narrow . here , under the strict tutelage of headmistress mary brown , megan meets graham , a sexy tomboy who shows her exactly what her ? true direction ' is . hilarious , cheeky and one of a kind , but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical is a quirky coming - of - age comedy about sexual awakening and staying true to who you are .
but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical is the story of megan , an all - american high school cheerleader who seems to have it all ; she ' s popular , pretty , intelligent , has a football player boyfriend and lives the perfect high school life . but that ' s all about to change ! her friends and family suspect megan is a lesbian , and after staging an intervention , send her packing to the ' true directions ' rehabilitation camp to put her on the straight and narrow . here , under the strict tutelage of headmistress mary brown , megan meets graham , a sexy tomboy who shows her exactly what her ' true direction ' is . hilarious , cheeky and one of a kind , but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical is a quirky coming - of - age comedy about sexual awakening and staying true to who you are .
still though . you miss every shot you don ' t take . if i have to watch point break 100 times to watch bvs once , that ' s a chance i ' m willing to take .
i ' m just so sick and tired of the overwhelming negativity this movie gets anywhere but these subreddits . it ' s like the majority of people will love it , but will probably bash it on the internet because that is what is cool .
i happen to be the critic and the person who has this particular skill set and desire , so that’s how it wound up being me [ bringing back theses books ] . i can advocate for them in the publishing community and bang the walls , but i’m not alone in this quest .
but i’m a cheerleader , even 17 years removed from its original release , continues to be one of the most heartfelt , touching , and laughably innocent portrayals of lesbianism and queer desire — particularly among the “teenage romance” genre that rose to great heights during the john hughes ’80s and continued to dominate throughout the ’90s .
out director jamie babbit is busy these days . her new film the quiet began opening in theaters this month , and she’s currently at work on the feature film the itty bitty titty committee . but before all this , she wrote and directed the 1999 cult hit but i’m a cheerleader , a comedic look at the lunacy that is gay rehabilitation — think ex - gay movement at summer camp .
actually i think it was yesterday or something but idgf . kool keith’s solo debut , underground classic . it
i do not want bvs to fail . as a lifelong comicbook fan of the big two companies , the more superhero goodness i can get the better . this is the golden age of being a superhero fan and i don ' t want to spend this time being bitter or unhappy about it . i honestly thought after batman and robin with clooney we ' d never see another superhero film . i ' m glad i was wrong .
as much as i don ' t give two shits about rt scores . i ' d be lying if i said the low mos rt score didn ' t make me sad . i loved the film personally , but when i hear other people ( a lot ) say that the movie sucked , it just brings me down .
the thing about being gay is that it doesn ' t necessarily mean that you ' re a strong person . there are plenty of people who can ' t deal in life and who happen to be gay also , so it seems like just another reason to be unhappy . in the film , megan [ natasha lyonne ] starts off as a cheerleader , that icon of american femininity , and at the end of the film , which establishes the dichotomy ,
normal
and
perverted .
and at the end , it comes together ,
pervert
and
cheerleader .
so the title has two points : at the beginning , it ' s
but i ' m a cheerleader , i ' m not gay ,
and in the end , it ' s
but i ' m a cheerleader and i am gay .
that ' s why she does the cheerleading at the end , because i wanted her to be gay but still be who she was , and not get on a harley and ride off . brian kept telling me we needed to earmark her change somehow , but i wanted her to keep her identity as a cheerleader . i that way , the film challenges the stereotypes even within the community . just last month , we had a review in the san francisco chronicle , which gave a synopsis of the film , because it was the closing night film for the san francisco gay and lesbian film festival . but the reviewer said that it was
the story about a girl who ' s straight , who goes to rehab and becomes gay
!
“i had zero nudity and i got an nc - 17 . it was just a more conservative , ridiculous time . ”
yanbu , i detest this song . i can ' t understand why it ' s so popular .
had some continuity problems , and a pretty lame ending , but decent overall .
the most interesting revelation came when babbitt was questioned about her desires to turn cheerleader into a broadway spectacle . she replied :
as i said , i had a number of concerns about this movie . i mentioned that the critical consensus was a concern for me , but most of all it was the premise . while i think it ' s interesting , i wondered how on earth someone could make a comedy about such a serious matter . conversion camps are a very real threat to gay teenagers out there , but thankfully , the writers managed to satirise the beliefs of anti - gay religious leaders pretty well .
before hanging up to board her flight to new york , lyonne recalled one particularly positive and touching memory about “but i ' m a cheerleader” that proved just how important the film was in its time . “i remember clea and i went to sundance together and a lot of the mormon girls were coming up to us ,
lyonne said .
clea and i would be crying because it was so moving that they had come out because of that movie . they had never seen anything like it . ”
in conclusion life after death didnt truly need to be a double album . there’s some misses here and there but i’d still recommend it . if you need a rating then uh , uh okay i got chu
but i ' m a cheerleader may seem too elementary to a sophisticated crowd . the stereotypes are often absurd to anyone with a consciousness , and frightingly may seem real to the uninformed . but in truth the film does no harm and in a humorous way pokes fun at how hung up we are about being gay . it runs into a few problems as well for portraying ' true directions ' as a place where sex roles create homosexuality and that by simply reversing them everything comes out allright in the wash .
thanks ! it ' s sex and the city . . . and to be honest i have no idea where i found it . . . i think i just searched satc or sarah jessica avatars or something !
very clever and very funny . i don ' t know why i had this listed as
not inteested .
i ' ve seen it twice already !
there is a difference between ,
well , i ' m more of a marvel fan , so i probably won ' t enjoy bvs
and
this movie sucks , its going to suck , even though its not even out yet .
hate it , turn it off as soon as it comes on , calling your girlfriend a cheerleader is ridiculous , hate it .
she said :
the fact that ' hocus pocus ' found a niche in that world where it cannot be extricated from the holiday itself to me is really amazing . i’m really surprised , but humbled and happy to be a part of something like that . i had the best time on that film — maybe more than any other movie i worked on .
' but i ' m a cheerleader ' is a story about a teenage girl called megan , who is a popular blonde , feminine pretty girl , who ( as you would have guessed by the title ) is also a cheerleader . when she begins exhibiting strange behaviour ( i . e . , checking out other women , going vegetarian , listening to melissa etheridge ) , her parents begin to notice and when they do so , they send her to a gay conversion camp . it ' s in the camp that she realises who she truly is , and under the influence of a tough girl named graham , she learns to accept herself .
i recommend option 2 or 3 . you can attempt option 1 if you want , but i think it ' s the most difficult of the three to write well .
in but i ' m a cheerleader , megan ( natasha lyonne ) is an innocent . as she says ,
i ' m not perverted ! i go to church , i get good grades . . . i ' m a cheerleader !
but her parents and friends suspect she has an
unnatural
attraction toward other girls . their proof ? she ' s vegetarian , she listens to melissa etheridge , she has pictures of girls in her locker , and she hates kissing her boyfriend . they whisk her off to true directions , a campy version of real - life ex - gay ministries , to straighten her out . surrounded by fey boys and some tough girls , megan realizes she ' s attracted to girls and starts a relationship with one of the girls ( clea duvall ) . meanwhile , true directions instructors mike ( de - dragged rupaul ) and mary ( cathy moriarty ) , try to bring them back into the heterosexual fold with instruction on proper gender roles and talk therapy .
strong > while altringer and lindsey hunt down the board members , dick interviews filmmakers whose films have been given an unwanted nc - 17 ( the kiss of death for films seeking u . s . distribution ) or r rating , including kimberly peirce ( boys don ' t cry ) and jamie babbit ( but i ' m a cheerleader ) .
i spoke on the phone with heath , a manager at the krispy kreme location who about knew the incident i was describing . he was , however , slightly surprised that i knew of the video . “actually , that video was supposed to have been removed from the web , ” he told me , “so i’m surprised it’s still out there
nearly everyone who worked on the film joined on with their very own cheerleader prejudice in need of unpacking .
i didn ' t have a video to submit for film school , so i wrote and directed something . my friends acted in it , and a friend with a camera filmed and edited it . it doesn’t look like a feature film , but it tells a cute , unique story .
so um… i noticed the other thread had 2k + posts so i thought now would be a suitable time to um . . create
that ' s a great idea , but i hope they are able to use some of the original music from the movie . it had such a great soundtrack !
no disrespect intended , but i just don ' t like zack snyder ' s style of film - making . his films are often pretty to look at , but totally hollow .
based on the 1999 lionsgate cult motion picture , but i ' m a cheerleader : the musical is the story of megan , an all - american high school cheerleader who seems to have it all . but that ' s all about to change ! her friends and family suspect megan is a lesbian , and after staging an intervention , send her packing to the ‘true directions ' rehabilitation camp to put her on the straight and narrow . it is billed as
a quirky coming - of - age comedy about sexual awakening and staying true to who you are
.
she was like my l . a . friend ,
lyonne recalled .
i was in her car and there was a script just sitting on her passenger - seat floor . i was like , ' what ' s this movie ? can i be in it ? '
as it turned out , it was the script for
but i ' m a cheerleader .
duvall was already cast to play graham , a disillusioned lesbian with disapproving parents . duvall made a quick call to her good friend babbit and the next thing you know lyonne was set to play megan , a cheerleader and the film ' s protagonist .
this was the ' 90s , this is how deals were made ,
lyonne said , laughing .
broadly conceived and schematically directed , “but i’m a cheerleader” is a shallow , only mildly entertaining satire about a rehabilitation camp for gays and lesbians . basically a short extended to feature length , the movie benefits from a well - grounded performance by natasha lyonne as the vivacious teenager sent for sexual ( dis ) orientation , but suffers from cathy moriarty’s irritatingly one - note rendition as the camp’s homophobic counselor . fine line should expect modest returns for a comedy that has limited crossover appeal beyond the immediate target audience of young , undiscriminating gay viewers .
it ' s not just money . part of it is , but not all . you greasers have a different set of values . you ' re more emotional . we ' re sophisticated - - - cool to the point of not feeling anything . nothing is real with us . you know , sometimes i ' ll catch myself talking to a girl - friend , and realize i don ' t mean half of what i ' m saying . i don ' t really think a beer blast on the river bottom is super - cool , but i ' ll rave about one to a girl - friend just to be saying something . i never told anyone that . i think you ' re the first person i ' ve ever really gotten through to .
i mean , i have no doubt the movie will be good because of the raw filmmaking talent behind it .
well , the movie isn ' t perfect , but it ' s certainly a lot better than i thought it would be and frankly , i think it ' s quite underrated . i wish that more teenagers would see this movie because conversion therapy is still going on , and i think movies like this could help spark a conversation .
i want these books to have their place in the canon . and if that means being back on every school list , that’s great . i think every book deserves to find it’s actual readership . people do want books to find readers , as well they should , i want books to find readers too . but i’m not so doctrinaire about who should read them . i’m much less interested in ‘tapping into a market’ than i am into making sure these books stay in print and are known as a period of literature , just like john cheever is , or like neil gaiman is , or f . scott fitzgerald , or edith wharton . i just want to make sure that their work is not completely forgotten .


for colored girls is a 2010 american drama film adapted from ntozake shange 's 1975 original choreopoem for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf .

written , directed and produced by tyler perry , the film features an ensemble cast which includes janet jackson , whoopi goldberg , phylicia rashad , thandie newton , loretta devine , anika noni rose , kimberly elise , and kerry washington .

the film depicts the interconnected lives of nine women , exploring their lives and struggles as women of color .

it is the first film to be produced by 34th street films , an imprint of tyler perry studios , and distributed by lionsgate films .

it is also the first and only r-rated film , to date in the series .

with a budget of $ 21 million , for colored girls was released on november 5 , 2010 , grossing $ 20.1 million in its opening weekend .

the film 's lead cast consists of nine african-american women , seven of whom are based on the play 's seven characters , only known by color ( e.g. " lady in red , " " lady in brown , " " lady in yellow , " ) .

like its source material , each character deals with a different personal conflict , such as love , abandonment , rape , infidelity , and abortion .

for colored girls

the correct shortening of “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf” is ( and only this ) “for colored girls…” not “colored girls” i would like to see this corrected .
“for colored girls…” release date pushed up in time for oscars | old school 105 . 3
music from and inspired by the original motion picture ' for colored girls . '
“for colored girls” is in theaters nov . 5 . visit urltoken for a review of the film .
what is significant about the portrayal of women in for colored girls . . . ?
theater season opens with historic drama ‘for colored girls . . . ’ | temple now
as a colored woman i thought the movie was amazing . many people say that the story line for colored girls is really for all girls . it is a targeted for a black audience .
mariah carey drops out of tyler perry ' s ' for colored girls . . . '
“the colored girls” is expected to be on shelves in time for the 2018 midterm elections .
looking for movie tickets ? enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing for colored girls near you .
' for colored girls . . . ' production to raise money for crime victims center - broome county arts council
ham - handed , obvious , overblown and pretentious , for colored girls is a plain disaster .
from left , kerry washington , phylicia rashad and anika noni rose in “for colored girls . ”
' s adaptation of the play
for colored girls who have considered suicide . . .
here are some differences between shange ' s theater milestone for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf and perry ' s rest stop of a movie , for colored girls .
mariah carey drops out of tyler perry ' s ' for colored girls . . . ' - mtv
what are the specific roles of each color in for colored girls who have considered suicide when . . .
what are the contrasts from the poem
for colored girls who considered suicide when the rainbow . . .
if you want to answer the questions ,
who starred in the movie for colored girls ?
and
what is the full cast list of for colored girls ?
then this page has got you covered .
was the term
choreopoem
invented for the play for colored girls who . . . , or did it exist . . .
this cast list of who was in for colored girls includes both lead and minor roles . ( 19 items )
in for colored girls , director tyler perry ( madea goes to jail ) takes a tone - deaf approach in his adaptation of ntozake shange ' s 1974 obie - winning play , for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf .
in this film publicity image released by lionsgate , phylicia rashad is shown in a scene from ,
for colored girls .
in this film publicity image released by lionsgate , janet jackson is shown in a scene from ,
for colored girls .
the release on friday of
for colored girls ,
the movie version of ntozake shange ' s landmark play
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf ,
is generating a lot of excitement , particularly among fans of the play .
for colored girls cast list , listed alphabetically with photos when available . this list of for colored girls actors includes any for colored girls actresses and all other actors from the film . you can view additional information about each for colored girls actor on this list , such as when and where they were born . to find out more about a particular actor or actress , click on their name and you ' ll be taken to page with even more details about their acting career . the cast members of for colored girls have been in many other movies , so use this list as a starting point to find actors or actresses that you may not be familiar with .
i was ordering the movie
for colored girls
and was sent the music by mistake . i will have to return it .
for colored girls
features a lot of heartache and pain , but lacks any sense of purpose . it sacrifices depth for despair and suffers because of it .
the soundtrack to tyler perry’s ‘for colored girls’ will be released on november 2 , but you can preview today by streaming over at atlantic records .
for colored girls . a film written and directed by tyler perry , based on the poems of ntozake shange . for philadelphia - area theaters and show times , click here .
the question and answer section for for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf is a great resource to ask questions , find answers , and discuss the novel .
ever wonder what paul thomas anderson’s magnolia might have looked like if all the characters had been black women ? you probably haven’t , but still , for about an hour that’s what tyler perry seems to be shooting for with for colored girls , his adaptation of the renowned play for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf . by . . . read more
ntozake shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf opens with a poem entitled “dark phrases . ” the first stanza reads :
in this film publicity image released by lionsgate , thandie newton , left , and whoopi goldberg are shown in a scene from ,
for colored girls .
ntozake shange , for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf ( new york : scribner , 2010 ) . [ return to text ]
while she and fellow cast member whoopi goldberg are ( arguably ) the most accomplished for colored girls stars , rashad gushed while praising her younger co - stars .
director tyler perry ' s for colored girls is a bold example of an artist ' s reach exceeding his grasp . and it ' s hard not to applaud his determination and grade for ambition .
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf essays are academic essays for citation . these papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of the choreopoem by ntozake shange .
if tyler perry ' s upcoming film ,
for colored girls ,
is half as good as the cadre of female vocalists he ' s lined up for the soundtrack , we ' re getting excited .
hovering between theater and cinema , sociology and drama , poetry and narrative , “for color girls , ” tyler perry’s screen adaptation of ntozake shange’s award - winning play
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf ,
is a major artistic disappointment .
osborne , kristen . boghani , a . ed .
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf summary
. gradesaver , 27 march 2014 web .
directed , written by tyler perry , based on the stage play
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf
by camera , alexander gruszynski .
the word
choreopoem
was invented by ntozake shange for her 1975 experimental play for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf . because the play was not a typical form . . .
“for colored girls” is rated r ( under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian ) . the film contains scenes of child murder , rape , domestic abuse and an illegal abortion .
it’s gone on to multiple productions worldwide and was the source of tyler perry’s 2010 film for colored girls , featuring a powerhouse cast including janet jackson , whoopi goldberg , and kerry washington .
temple theaters kicks off its 48th season this week with a 40th anniversary production of for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf by poet and activist ntozake shange .
as the 36 - year - old actor gears up for the november 5 , 2010 release of tyler perry’s film for colored girls , hardwick is very aware that even more eyes will be on him . while he pointed out to urltoken in this exclusive interview that he has clocked more screen time in previous films , the subject matter relating to his character carl in for colored girls is so potent , he’ll have people talking about him for years to come .
applaud perry for getting the best from most of his actresses . boo him for not building to a climax as deeply felt as the movie ' s individual components . for colored girls is a textbook case of the whole being considerably less than the sum of its parts .
for colored girls
brings to the screen ntozake shange ' s obie award - winning play , a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world .
united kingdom «for colored girls» in the uk released in movie theaters on december 10 , 2010 . the movie estimated to release on dvd and blu - ray some time in march or april 2011 .
the recent 40th anniversary of ntozake shange’s seminal choreopoem “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” continues to bring people together to celebrate , create art and / or heal from trauma .
for colored girls … has retained its popularity . college theater departments often stage the play . it also was the basis of a pbs american playhouse telefilm and a movie produced by tyler perry’s production company .
temple theaters kicks off its 48th season this week with a 40th anniversary production of ' for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf . ' five additional mainstage productions will follow .
for once , tyler perry doesn ' t put his name above the title , but perhaps he should with
for colored girls
to distinguish this train wreck of a movie from the stunning theater piece of 36 years ago by ntozake shange .
for universal , the formula is more simple : “girls trip , ” unlike the aforementioned comedies , is resonating with audiences .
ntozake shange : plays 1 :
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf . . . , spell number 7
,
the love space demands vol 1 ( contemporary dramatists )
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf is a
choreopoem
by ntozake shange , developed as an experimental play performed entirely by women in poetry and dance . . . .
the studio announced this morning that perry’s next picture , “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf , ” will premiere on nov . 5 … and not in 2011 as was expected .
united states distributed by lionsgate «for colored girls» in the united states theaters released on november 5 , 2010 and has grossed over $ 38 million worldwide ; dvd and blu - ray release date was set for february 8 , 2011 . available for rent from netflix and redbox from february 8 , 2011 .
tyler perry ' s film adaptation of ntozake shange ' s tony award - nominated play for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf will arrive in theatres nov . 5 , according to variety .
in collaboration with the for colored girls 2017 justice seeking art action , kin folkz has joined efforts with regina evans ( of regina ' s door ) who will unveil a may 24th lake merritt ritual performance piece entitled ceremony to raise awareness of the resistance against the human trafficking of black women and girls .
after originally being set for a january release , tyler perry’s adaptation of ntozake shange’s “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” will now be released on november 5th . not only do we get to see it sooner , but this later date also makes the film a stronger contender for nominations for academy awards and the golden globe awards .
music for colored girls
holds three music videos .
main title
( 3 : 49 ) sets a stylized montage of film clips to the opening poetry and score .
la donna in viola
( 3 : 30 ) animates colored dust and moving rectangles over footage of the opera scene .
saying that for colored girls is the most disciplined , least clownish film that tyler perry has made - - his best film to date - - is faint praise indeed . and that ' s how it ' s meant .
photo : from left , anika noni rose , tessa thompson , janet jackson , kimberly elise , phylicia rashad , loretta devine , kerry washington , thandie newton in
for colored girls .
credit : patrick harbron / lionsgate
on monday , october 25 , the tyler perry and the cast of his new movie for colored girls gathered at the london hotel in new york to answer questions from the press . as the film version of ntozake shange ‘s 1975 original book for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf hits theaters on november 5 , a new generation of fans will be exposed to the poetry and intense emotion of the tony award - winning play .
“ for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf is more than a poetic drama , more than a dance performance , more than a celebration of the dreams and aspirations , or the profound losses of the women of colour whose stories populate this extraordinary work . at its very core , for colored girls . . . is a powerful enchantment ; an aesthetic exultation ; a love song ; a healing . ” – director djanet sears
this is a very good sign for lionsgate , a vote of confidence for perry , and a shakeup for the still forming oscar picture . source
writer / director tyler perry is probably used to taking heat from the critics for his films , but he can rest knowing that his latest movie for colored girls . . . is his best film yet . even though that might not be attributed to his direction or writing .
so let ' s just say that for colored girls is a barely competent film ( which is a big step up for perry ) , illuminated by luminous performances . in the hands of another filmmaker , those actresses might have approached an award - winning level . too bad .
for colored girls is so shamelessly terrible it would make a great midnight hoot - fest , if you had the stomach to laugh at shange or some of the best ( and most underused ) actresses of their generation . . .
for colored girls premiered at the public theater and moved to broadway in 1976 with playwright shange featured as one of seven women who
reveal themselves , their lives , loves , hardships , and ultimately their discovery of strength and love .
you worked with queen latifah in beauty shop and you’re now in for colored girls alongside janet jackson . how is it to work with these larger than life pop personas in the movies , and how do you get past who they are ?
perry gets points for persistence , yes , and for ambition . but that ' s not enuf .
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf
will be the first project for 34th street films , perry ' s new production company , which is housed at lionsgate . this will also be perry ' s first film to be based on non - original material .
our conversation flowed into discussion of for colored girls , tyler perry’s film adaptation of ntozake shange’s landmark book and stage play , and why the madea star’s work spawns heated debates about race and class . her response was a cautious and indirect one .
but for colored girls springs , at least nominally , from the pen of poet ntozake shange . and some of her poetry has survived , making this movie automatically more literate , thoughtful and subtle than anything perry so far has shown himself capable of .
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf is a choreopoem by ntozake shange . the study guide contains a biography of ntozake shange , literature essays , quiz questions , major themes , characters , and a full summary and analysis .
ntozake shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf , which premiered on broadway in 1976 , is considered a cultural milestone as one of the first works to be written from an african - american woman’s point of view .
the original broadway production of
for color girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf
by ntozake shange opened at the booth theater in new york on september 15 , 1976 , ran for 742 performances and was nominated for the 1977 tony award ( new york city ) for the best play .
fans who have been looking forward to seeing mariah carey and janet jackson hit the big screen together for tyler perry ' s film adaptation of ntozake shange ' s 1975 play
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf
will be disappointed to learn that the flick is officially one diva short .
for colored girls … is a series of 20 free - verse monologues performed by seven women . by turns funny and emotionally jarring , the monologues cover topics ranging from discovering a childhood hero in a library book , to date rape , to abuse , to empowerment .
all of the accolades poured on precious : based on the novel ' push ' by sapphire , a movie to which perry lent his name and endorsement but little else , seem to have inspired the filmmaker to get personally involved in something widely deemed valuable . for colored girls
in the meantime , those preferring to experience for colored girls in the comfort and privacy of their homes can now do so , thanks to last week ' s dvd and blu - ray + dvd + digital copy combo from lionsgate . we look at the former here .
the play
for colored girls . . .
is a series of 20 poems telling the stories of seven different women , each of whom is identified with a color of the rainbow . the stories deal with a wide spectrum of topics including love , abandonment , rape and abortion .
originally staged as a series of 20 “choreopoems” centering on the life stories of a group of african - american women , for colored girls opened at the public theater on may 17 , 1976 , and transferred to broadway’s booth theatre on sept . 10 , running until july 16 , 1978 .
the ' for colored girls ' soundtrack is the musical companion for the upcoming tyler perry film which has been adapted from ntozake shange ' s 1975 obie & tony award - winning play , ' for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf . ' the soundtrack features all new and unreleased music from such artists as nina simone , gladys knight , leona lewis , estelle , laura izibor , macy gray , janelle monae and lalah hathaway . the soundtrack sets the many stories of struggle told within the film ' s chore poem to music to reflect women ' s ongoing battle with love , abandonment and the finding of self .
in this essay , i explain how scripted actions create fantasies and attachments that sustain intellectual , political , and social projects . shange’s for colored girls presents and establishes alternative socialities for theater practitioners and audiences as well as students and scholars reading and studying the play in classrooms and intellectual communities . my analysis focuses on the way storytelling through poetics becomes intertwined with the touch in the first and final scenes of the choreopoem . the touching that opens and closes the drama creates links across and between the individual poems , enabling individual innovation and expression within collectivity . the touching in for colored girls imagines a nonsexual but yet still intimate mode of racialized communal formation .
yet even as it transcends the african american experience ,
for colored girls
communicates something specific and valuable about being black in america . tammy wynette said ,
sometimes it ' s hard to be a woman .
for colored girls
is saying ,
sometimes it ' s even harder to be a black woman .
i ' d prefer to think it ' s more a product of the play ' s original period ( the 1970s ) than an ongoing condition , but the women here convey a sense of being very much on their own , left to fend for themselves , with neither help nor hope of ever really being understood .
standing last in a line of mostly 20 - something journalists at the district’s lincoln theatre nov . 1 , i mulled over rashad’s career - defining huxtable character ; her tony award - winning performance as dignified matriarch lena younger and now , her role as gilda , the tenement sage in for colored girls .
to his credit , perry does not try to turn the truly idiosyncratic play
for colored girls
into a more conventional or typical tyler perry movie . clearly he loves the text , and he deserves credits for taking major risks in trying to transform an original text , which was tough even as stage material , into a more popular and accessible big screen entertainment .
“the colored girls” will be part historic memoir and part political inspiration , tracking each woman’s intertwining journey up the washington ladder . the five authors , said ross , have made a habit of holding the door open for other women and people of color in the political arena . for years , they’ve been urged to write a book together that melds the political and the personal .
ntozake shange , poet , novelist , playwright , and performer , wrote the broadway - produced and obie award - winning for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf . she has also written numerous works of fiction , including sassafras , cypress and indigo , betsy brown , and liliane .
for colored girls is a series of poems about colored women living and surviving . each poem tells a new story and each story paints a picture of another woman living another life . each poem is about hope and finding yourself ; realizing your worth and owning it . i would recommend for colored girls to any woman or fan of women ' s literature . there is some swearing and some adult situations , but i feel it is suitable for mature teens . as i read for color girls , i got pulled into a roller coaster of emotions . one moment , i was laughing and the next i was sad or angry . the poems between the covers really do cover a range of challenges women of all walks face . my heart broke for each girl and i closed my kindle with tears in my eyes for the raw emotions and the sheer amount of heartache each poem portrayed . i loved each and every word and felt a connection with each and every girl . i can ' t wait to take what i read and put it to use when i raise my sons and my daughters and influence my nieces and my nephews .
for colored girls … is significant because it gave voice to the concerns of african - american women who had been marginalized both in the civil rights movement of the 1960s , which focused on black men , and the early feminist movement of the 1970s , which focused on the concerns of white women , wade said .
laurie carlos , an actor who appeared in the original production of ntozake shange’s acclaimed poetic drama “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf” and a playwright whose work expressed the inner lives of black women in the united states , died on dec . 29 in st . paul . she was 67 .
and , not to be missed , is this opportunity to hear ntozake shange and oz scott , director of the original broadway production of for colored girls… , discuss the development of the play . the free event takes place on sunday , sept . 20 , at 4 p . m . , at the temple performing arts center .
being alive and being a woman is all i got , but being colored is a metaphysical dilemma i haven ' t conquered yet .
℗ 2010 this compilation 2010 atlantic recording corporation for the united states and wea international inc . for the world outside of the united states .
juanita : i got a real dead loving here for you now , because i don ' t know anymore how to avoid my own face wet with my tears ! because i had convinced myself that colored girls have no right to sorrow ! frank : i guess this is goodbye . juanita : like you ' ve never seen it before .
from left , regina hall , jada pinkett smith , queen latifah and tiffany haddish in a scene from the comedy “girls trip . ”
senior paul sweet earned a tuition and housing scholarship to the exclusive stagecraft institute of las vegas , where he will spend a week in intensive training using state - of - the - art technology in the performance spaces such as cirque du soleil’s ka . he presented his scenic design for lycoming college’s spring 2015 production of for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf , directed by nigel barnes .
“for color girls” precedes tarantino’s “reservoir dogs” in assigning particular colors to particular characters , such as the
lady in yellow ,
lady in red ,
“lady in blue , ” and so on .
for colored girls weaves together the stories of nine women , all coping with varying degrees of torment . casting is not the problem . perry assembled talented actors , some of whom manage to eke out an honest moment or two . but it ' s as if he encouraged them to overdo it . any inclination toward subtlety is replaced by overwrought emotion .
this is , to the best of my knowledge , the first tyler perry movie to be screened in advance for the press , an indication presumably of his excitement over the film , which is certainly a departure from his customary boisterous comedies . ( it ' s a boisterous bummer . ) perry doesn ' t need critical acclaim  he ' s the most successful black filmmaker of all time , with an audience that shows up no matter what  but i would have enjoying giving him some for for colored girls . there is no question that he loves the material as much as anyone . he ' ll introduce shange ' s play to a new generation and there is absolute value in that . but for colored girls feels like the cinematic equivalent to putting a garish reproduction of the sistine chapel on the ceiling of your mcmansion and calling it art .
or get 4 - 5 business - day shipping on this item for $ 5 . 99 . ( prices may vary for ak and hi . )
from its inception in california in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at joseph papp ' s public theater and on broadway , the obie award - winning for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf has excited , inspired , and transformed audiences all over the country . passionate and fearless , shange ' s words reveal what it is to be of color and female in the twentieth century . first published in 1975 when it was praised by the new yorker for
encompassing . . . every feeling and experience a woman has ever had ,
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf will be read and performed for generations to come . here is the complete text , with stage directions , of a groundbreaking dramatic prose poem written in vivid and powerful language that resonates with unusual beauty in its fierce message to the world .
for colored girls
is not easy . its poetry is hot and searing , its story an unbroken current of rage and pain and sex and abuse and solidarity and self and empowerment . nine women — in screams , whispers and weeping — demand that you listen , that you don ' t look away , that you deal with the discomfort as they did .
based on his record , tyler perry has been able to bring a large audience to his comedies and romantic dramas . question is , will his loyal viewers see “for colored girls ? ” lionsgate faces a major marketing challenge in putting over an original but problematic film , one that never finds its right pace or rhythm and only seldom registers strongly from an emotional standpoint .
no matter how you see omari hardwick , there is no doubt that he has positioned himself as a viable player in hollywood . read on as he explains the reason he chose acting over music ; thoughts on working with janet jackson and the powerful cast in for colored girls ; and the ways poetry , sports , hip hop and acting resonate and intertwine artistically in his life .
the recurrence of dated language is another drawback to the film . the word
colored
appears a few times in the dialogue when actresses perform poetry . shange wrote the play back in the ' 70s . the film is set in the present and black people don ' t use the word
colored
anymore . watching a character type on a laptop then hearing someone describe themselves as
colored
a few scenes later doesn ' t feel realistic .
for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf , ntozake shange’s first work , tells the stories of seven women who have suffered oppression in a racist and sexist society . the choreopoem is an innovative combination of poetry , drama , music , and dance . for shange , the combination is important . she learned about her identity as a woman through words , songs , and literature ; she learned about her identity as an african through dance .
student in 1977 ) . the 1977 broadway production was nominated for a tony award for best play and won acting accolades for trazana bevreley . the production was then adapted into a book , a tv movie in , and a theatrical feature film .
los angeles — it’s victory for “dunkirk” and “girls trip” at the box office this weekend . both original and well - reviewed films smashed expectations and enticed diverse audiences to the theaters , even though cumulatively summer remains down from last year .
ntozake shange ' s
for colored girls . . .
is a gripping collection of poems about life , love , pain and hope that will tell your story if you can ' t find the words . i have had the honor to read and perform this treasure of poems many times and i still can ' t get enough of it . it will take any reader on a trip into understanding , sisterhood and hope , as well as letting them know that they are not alone . this book is truly for all girls who have
considered suicide
when the world was too much , but decided on life .
cases . the stories of missing black and indigenous women and girls are rarely told by major news networks or even reach the public via amber alerts . ”
according to a source with perry’s production company , the performances from loretta devine and anika noni rose have the potential to recognized and rewarded . janet jackson , thandie newton , kerry washington , kimberly elise , tessa thompson and phylicia rashad are also featured prominently in “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf , ” and there will be cameo appearances from whoopi goldberg and macy gray .
structurally , “for colored girls” consists of two dozen poems , collectively called a
choreopoe .
thematically , the poems deal with the most common problems encountered by black women : physical and sexual abuse , out of the wedlock pregnancy , abortion , desertion by lovers or husbands , abandonment by fathers , poor childhood and lack of means for formal education , dishonesty on the part of men ( some of whom are bi - sexual or gay and thus run the risk of hiv positive )
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ms . carlos joined the cast of “colored girls” in 1975 when it was gestating at bars on the lower east side . she followed it on its journey from the new federal theater to the public theater to the booth theater on broadway , and onward to a television adaptation seen on the pbs series “american playhouse” in 1982 .
for colored girls is not my favorite tyler perry film , but i recommend you see for yourself . make sure to read the play first . it will help you gain a better understanding of the film . although i hoped for something better , it was refreshing to watch an ensemble of talented black actresses in non - demeaning roles . some of the best actresses in the industry are part of the cast . notice i said not the best black actresses , but the best in general . i appreciate perry for his effort because i imagine he wanted black women to feel empowered after watching the film . a few scenes moved me . still , i left the theater feeling a little down because dramas starring black women are rare . a television or movie drama starring a black female cast is about as common as the texas rangers going to the world series . perry will probably do well at the box office because of the buzz surrounding for colored girls and his fan following . hopefully , hollywood execs will take note and this will be the start of more dramas starring black actresses to come . hopefully .
i usually like tyler perry movies , but this one just didn ' t work for me . . found some of the women were way over the top in their acting , and it was too melodramatic for me . . . just not a movie for me , then again most men probably wouldn ' t care for a movie where women randomly break out into poem . . . should have had madea in it for some comic relief .
we are thrilled to see tyler take the helm on ' for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf , '
paseornek said in a statement .
from the very beginning of his career , tyler has told compelling stories about women ' s lives , and he has created a memorable gallery of multidimensional female characters . he is an ideal person to bring ntozake shange ' s play to the screen , and this movie will be a major treat for audiences across the board .
movies and tv shows are certified fresh with a steady tomatometer of 75 % or higher after a set amount of reviews ( 80 for wide - release movies , 40 for limited - release movies , 20 for tv shows ) , including 5 reviews from top critics .
address a variety of social justice issues , such as the institutional and media trivialization in the u . s . towards the crisis of missing black women and girls .
“all women are colored girls , because color doesn’t have anything to do with ethnicity or skin . it has to do with outlook ; it has to do with mood , consciousness , response , energy , with all of these things , you see . and the message is simple . it’s the very end of the film , the last words that are spoken . ” for the second time that night , i stood corrected .
why , then , these familiar refrains in the reception of sapphire ' s work ? in both cases , roughly three decades apart , attention continues to be deflected from the creative works and the experience of black women and girls they depict and is turned over to the experience of white audiences along with the ( white ) media ' s representation of race . robert staples , in a controversial article in the aforementioned 1979 issue of the black scholar , responds to the work of shange by commenting on the audience of the play :
watching a performance [ of for colored girls ] one sees a collective appetite for black male blood .
2 thirty - five years later , in 2009 , armond white , in the new york press , criticizes
patronizing white audiences
of precious who watch
for the sense of superiority—and relief—it allows them to feel .
3 the predominant concern for both of these critics is not the individual works , but the reception itself ; they critique the works ' popularity with audiences and critics , popularity that they locate in stereotypes , particularly about black men . the negative critical receptions translate into a concern about white audiences , and , more broadly , white perceptions of african americans , generally defined as black men . ultimately , both for colored girls and precious are being criticized not for what they do represent , or even what they don ' t represent , but for how popular culture as a whole does and doesn . . .
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shange’s for colored girls produces and idealizes black feminist collectivity from the opening stanza to the final “laying on of hands . ” implicitly , if nationalist rhetoric and patriotic action aspire and move toward a more perfect union , that union remains an ideal that is always set at a distance from the lived experience of the citizen . for colored girls presents an aspirational black feminist collectivity as an alternative to the heteronormative domesticity that is the primary organizing social logic of the state . as an ideal , the black feminist collective destabilizes state fantasies including the american dream . drama seeks to imagine a world that may be inspired by the mundane , but is not bound by reality . therefore drama participates in crafting national , communal , personal , and social ideals . ideals are important precisely because they are aspirational—because they provide a vision of worlds we wish to inhabit and possibilities worth fighting to realize .
tyler perry has assembled a fine cast for this adaptation of the 1975 play , and his heart is obviously in the right place , but his fondness for melodrama cheapens a meaningful story .
dressed in a cherry - colored kimono shirt and flowing black plants , the texas - born thespian looked stately and far younger than her 62 years . she’d been grilled by a posse of print , tv and radio personalities for at least 45 minutes and seemed relieved – if only for a passing moment – when a pr rep said i was the night’s final interview .
directed by tyler perry ; written by mr . perry , based on the play “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf” by ntozake shange ; director of photography , alexander gruszynski ; edited by maysie hoy ; music by aaron zigman ; production design by ina mayhew ; costumes by johnetta boone ; produced by mr . perry , paul hall and roger m . bobb ; released by lionsgate . running time : 2 hours .
tyler perry , the cross - dressing comedian - filmmaker best known for his
madea
movies , adapted and directed
for colored girls ,
and it ' s a real departure . that perry is funny and skilled has never been a secret . but this new film shows a mastery of tone , a capacity to elicit strong performances and also to bring out different colors within those performances so that , when it all comes together , it ' s not the same note sounding over and over . this is smart , lovely work .
in 2009 perry debuted his second television series , meet the browns , on tbs and released the film adaptation of i can do bad all by myself . that same year he played the role of admiral richard barnett in the feature film star trek and served as an executive producer for the film precious : based on the novel push by sapphire . the critically acclaimed precious marked a new direction for perry , and in 2010 he announced the formation of 34th street films , an art - house division of tyler perry studios . the first project for the new venture was perry ' s film adaptation of playwright ntozake shange ' s for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf , which ran on broadway from 1976 to 1978 .
not exactly what i was hoping for , but i ' m still pleased with my purchase .
the allowance for someone like eminem , who is not necessarily befitting for hip hop at its origins , he says our truths and the world says it won’t go out of style . so it’s impossible for hollywood – who is still starving for truth – to not at times want to marry it to dmx who’s telling the truth when he’s on stage with a microphone in his hand .
welcome to broad street review — an arts and culture website for thinking people with strong opinions .
for colored girls
is a serious achievement . it takes the 1975 play by ntozake shange , which consisted entirely of poetry , and transforms it into a heartfelt narrative feature about a handful of black women , in various walks of life , facing a crisis . the dialogue consists mainly of normal spoken conversation , but then in moments of acute emotion , the dialogue shifts into shange ' s poetry , and the women open up their souls with brutal eloquence .
the movie is based on ntozake shange ' s play
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf .
unlike the original play which featured only 7 women known by colors performing the collection of 20 poems , the movie has given each of the 20 characters names . each of the poems deal with intense issues that particularly impact women in a thought - provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color in the world .
while berlant offers a rubric for understanding the precarity of the late - twentieth century and the waning appeal of what she calls “the good life , ” one may suggest that at least since lorraine hansberry’s a raisin in the sun appeared on the great white way in 1959 , the united states has been depicted as a site of deferred dreaming for black folks as a result of the state’s continual deferment of equal rights . the state’s false promise of equality places black folks in a perpetual state of longing that calls attention to the necessity of creating alternative sites of belonging . one may read the alternative ideal of feminist collectivity that for colored girls provides in relationship to the tenuous hold of the twenty - first century of american exceptionalism , which seems to be losing its grip everywhere . at the same time , one may also understand shange’s play as a response to the call for dreaming that a raisin in the sun issued in 1959 . for colored girls sings a black girl’s song in a way that interrupts deferral and prevents the dream from drying up like a raisin . the choreopoem creates collectivity based on the intertwining of bodies in space and words in rhythm in order to counter the displacement and dehumanization of black women’s voice , bodies , and experiences .
viola davis , an actress who starred in madea goes to jail , describes perryas a
controversial , complicated figure
in the black community but notes that he is also one of the few filmmakers making movies about african american characters . still others , including vicangelo bulluck of the national association for the advancement of colored people , applaud perry for depicting
family values
within the black community .
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these shows all began as movies that eventually became broadway musicals that were adapted once again for film .
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whatever stumbles there may be , they are offset by moments when
for colored girls
soars . one of the most powerful comes deep in the film when jo ( jackson ) and her husband carl ( hardwick ) have taken their broken marriage to an opera . as the concert hall fills up with the rich sounds of
la donna in viola ,
an aria written by the film ' s composer aaron zigman for the scene and performed by opera singer karen slack and soul singer andrea jones - sojola , the camera cuts between images of the women , individuals , alone .
in
dark phrases ,
the lady in brown steps onto stage and describes the importance of
colored girls
singing a song of possibilities to find themselves . the lady in brown calls out that she is from outside a specific city , followed by her six companions each doing the same . they all sing a nursery rhyme together , indicating the transition from childhood to adulthood .
as far as theater goes , i speak from a different place – there are two very different sides to theater . there’s broadway and then there’s what i do . what i love about what i do is it took everything – madea , house of payne and all of that for me to be able to do for colored girls . had none of that happened i wouldn’t have been able to say , “listen , this is what i want to do next , ” so i’m very proud of it all . as far as theater goes , it’s just not necessarily an interest of mine .
it ' s as if they ' re all under some extra measure of pressure . this pressure can manifest in all kinds of ways , including religious fanaticism - whoopi goldberg is excellent ( and entirely not funny ) as a white - robed member of a bizarre cult religion . the beauty of
for colored girls
is that characters who fear never being understood get to speak and express themselves with crystalline grace . and so , somehow , what might have been a sad story feels exalted .
it is a film destined to polarize . many will hate it . hopefully more will love it , or at least allow room for it , for its raw brutality , its extremes , its difficult truths .
new musicals ? we love them . we especially love stories about them by npr ' s man on broadway . in a culturetopia twofer , reporter jeff lunden delivers a sparkling look at women on the verge of a nervous breakdown , a new musical based on the 1988 film that first brought director pedro almodovar to international attention . and an iconic play that went in the opposite direction - - from broadway to the big screen - - has received mixed critical reception . that one would be for colored girls…
admittedly a difficult ( perhaps unfilmable ) text , “for colored girls” is essentially a conceptual - allegorical work . but it really falls beyond the reach of perry , a writer - director who seems to be much more comfortable staging broader , largely comedic and melodramatic material that’s like tv soap or sitcom . moreover , there is no singular style to delivering the poetry , whose recitation takes place in different contexts , and more often than not is flat , lacking the emotional impact that it had on stage .