Original Stage Play Based on Bestselling Novel Returns to Stage

When Dr. Rhonda Lawson produced her first stage play, Cheatin’ in the Next Room, for one night only back in February, she only hoped for a great turnout and positive reviews. However, she never anticipated the demand she received to bring back the production.

Heeding the demand, the Meet the World Image Solutions founder has revived the play, based on her 2004 bestselling novel of the same name, and is taking it to Slidell’s Cutting Edge Theater Nov. 9-11.

“It was so exciting to know that people were still talking about the stage play after all these months,” said Lawson, publicist and five-time novelist. “New Orleans gave me so much love when I first published Cheatin’ in the Next Room fourteen years ago, and it’s amazing to see that the play is getting that same appreciation.”

Cheatin’ in the Next Room, tells the story of how an affair can affect more those who committed it. Although infidelity storylines are familiar in literature, Lawson explained that this story is about much more.

“This book takes a deeper look at the far-reaching effects of infidelity, such as damaged friendships, fragmented trust, misplaced blame, and self worth,” she said. “It is an emotional and dramatic story, but there are also some very funny moments.”

Much of the original cast has returned to the production, but with a few changes. This time around, the play will be directed by New Orleans actor and rapper Teddo November, who played Henry in the original production. Also new to the cast will be noted New Orleans actor Tre Lopez as Christopher, and newcomer Eryn Brown, who will play the tempting Alexis. Returning will be New Orleans actress Jeanette Scott as Brenda, actress and model Amber Ned and Aunt Mary, actor Willie Lee as Darnell, actor Demetrius Bradley as the wise-cracking Byron, and Mrs. Louisiana Universal 2019 Clairica Lange, as Christopher’s wife Andrea.

“To have so much of our original cast return to the production is a true honor,” Lawson said. “Each of these actors have brought a new energy to the performance, so much so that even if you saw the play in February, it will be like watching an entirely different production.”

Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the Cutting Edge Theater. Each person who purchases a ticket will also receive a free Kindle version of the original novel.

Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC is a boutique public relations firm that specializes in assisting small business, non-profit organizations, authors, and artists. It was founded Jan. 23, 2017 by author and U.S. Army veteran Rhonda M. Lawson as a vehicle to promote entrepreneurs with smaller advertising budgets. Since its founding, Meet the World has hosted two major literary events and airs Horizons With Meet the World Image Solutions, a literary talk show, on the New Orleans Talk Network each Wednesday at 7 pm CST.

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