K. Michelle is entering 2025 booked and busy. The singer, songwriter, and actress has been cast in Jason’s Lyric Live!, a theatrical adaptation of the 1994 family drama directed by Doug McHenry and written by Bobby Smith Jr.
In Je’Caryous Johnson‘s 30th anniversary production of the cult classic, K. Michelle will portray Marti, the conceited co-worker and best friend of Lyric, as well as the girlfriend of Alonzo. The role was previously made notable by acclaimed actress Lisa Nicole Carson.
Famed actor Allen Payne will reprise his role as Jason, while Eva Marcille, the winner of America’s Next Top Model cycle three and an actress/reality star, will play Lyric. Additionally, Anthony “Treach” Criss of Naughty By Nature will return as Alonzo and actor Tyrin Turner will star as Joshua.
Allen, returning to his role as Jason, discusses what it means to reprise such an acclaimed part. “Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor. To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie—and a new generation experiencing it for the first time—is an incredible honor.”
According to press materials, Jason’s Lyric Live! “is a premiere play with music that tells the heart-pounding tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that will leave audiences breathless, as two souls battle against the odds for a chance at real happiness.”
Jason’s Lyric Live! will premiere Feb. 13, 2025, at The Hobby Center – Sarofim Hall in Houston, Texas, with another performance on Valentine’s Day at the same venue. This city, where the opening night is held, holds special significance for Johnson.
Johnson said, “Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live! to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story. This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”
After its Houston premiere, Jason’s Lyric Live! will visit major cities, including Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
The production will return to Houston for additional performances and is currently set to conclude on May 4, 2025, with potential dates later that month in Dallas, Texas.
Tickets are now available for purchase at jasonslyriclive.com.
Jason’s Lyric was released in 1994, featuring Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Anthony “Treach” Criss, and Forest Whitaker, among others.
The film’s successful soundtrack included tracks by Tony! Toni! Toné!, Mint Condition, Brian McKnight, and K-Ci Hailey’s notable cover of Bobby Womack’s “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.”
Jason’s Lyric Live! 2025 Tour Dates
Feb 13 – Houston, TX @ The Hobby Center – Sarofim Hall
Feb 14 – Houston, TX @ The Hobby Center – Sarofim Hall
Feb 15 – New Orleans, LA @ Mahalia Jackson Theatre *
Feb 16 – Houston, TX @ The Hobby Center – Sarofim Hall *
Feb 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Orpheum Theatre
Feb 22 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Orpheum Theatre *
Feb 23 – Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre of The Arts *
Mar 6 – Detroit, MI @ Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts
Mar 7 – Detroit, MI @ Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts
Mar 8 – Detroit, MI @ Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts *
Mar 9 – Cleveland, OH @ KeyBank State Theatre
Mar 13 – Milwaukee, WI @ Miller High Life Theatre
Mar 14 – Chicago, IL @ Arie Crown Theater
Mar 15 – Chicago, IL @ Arie Crown Theater *
Mar 16 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre at Old National Center *
Mar 20 – Louisville, KY @ The Louisville Palace
Mar 21 – Memphis, TN @ The Orpheum Theatre
Mar 22 – Memphis, TN @ The Orpheum Theatre *
Mar 23 – St. Louis, MO @ The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Mar 27 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre
Mar 28 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre
Mar 29 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre *
Mar 30 – Norfolk, VA @ Chrysler Hall *
Apr 2 – Richmond, VA @ Altria Theater
Apr 3 – Philadelphia, PA @ Miller Theater – Ensemble Arts Philly
Apr 4 – Philadelphia, PA @ Miller Theater – Ensemble Arts Philly
Apr 5 – New Haven, CT @ Shubert Theatre *
Apr 6 – Baltimore, MD @ The Lyric Baltimore
Apr 10 – Raleigh, NC @ Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
Apr 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Apr 12 – Atlanta, GA @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre *
Apr 13 – Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
Apr 25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
Apr 26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre *
May 2 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre
May 3 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre *
May 4 – Washington, D.C. @ The National Theatre *
May 9 – Dallas, TX @ TBA
May 10 – Dallas, TX @ TBA *
May 11 – Dallas, TX @ TBA
* Includes an encore show
