The talented and soulful singer and actress Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley has been wowing audiences in Tyler Perry’s stage productions for over a decade now like her turns in “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and “Madea Gets a Job.”
In her starring role in Tyler Perry’s latest release, “Tyler Perry’s Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned – The Play,” on DVD (plus Digital), Digital HD and Video on Demand from Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Riley does not disappoint. Playing a successful, single woman who has it all, then almost loses it behind a man, Riley keeps viewers riveted with an engaging performance and her soaring singing ability. Filmed in front of a live audience, Riley originally toured with the popular, sold-out show in more than 50 cities across the U.S.
She first burst on the music scene in the late ’80s with her torching classic “Thanks for My Child.” Unlike many “old school” artists however, she has remained relevant and continues to build her brand and platform. Her inclusion in over 10 Tyler Perry productions, including stage plays, DVD releases, film cameos and soundtrack credits are only the tip of the iceberg.
The Brooklyn native’s own homegrown vehicle, “Black Velvet Mondays,” a musicians’ and singers’ jam session and showcase at New York’s legendary Village Underground venue, has gone international as part of her “The Black Velvet Experience” agenda. The Monday night event has been going strong for almost 10 years now and streams live at http://www.TheVillageUnderground.com. Riley recently took her show on the road to Paris providing a cross-cultural music connection overseas and is in talks to go back to Paris as well as to London.
Cheryl is also enjoying additional notoriety with her inclusion on Full Force’s new music project “Full Force: With Love From Our Friends.” She joins industry notables Tisha Campbell-Martin, Sheila E., Regina Belle, Vivica A. Fox, Blair Underwood and Malcolm Jamal Warner, just to name a few, on the production. Dubbed a “true skool all-star album,” from the group that produced her first hit, Full Force is also the pioneering group behind an endless string of genre-busting classics for the likes of James Brown, Selena and Bob Dylan, as well as Rihanna, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake and The Black Eyed Peas. Riley’s single, “Thank You For Leaving Me” with Meli’sa Morgan, is a debut release from the CD.
Riley is also releasing a new solo project in January 2015 entitled “Still Believe.” She wrote and co-wrote all of the recordings as well as executive produced the project on her independent record label, SodaFace Records.
“I am so grateful to Tyler Perry for his continual faith and belief in me! Being a part of his journey has absolutely been a major inspiration for me on my own journey. I am incredibly and truly humbled. The opportunity to play the lead in one of his stage plays and star in a role that allows me to really stretch as an actress, gives me a forum that helps facilitate my purpose here on earth, which is to motivate and encourage others by using my God given gifts.
“I am also beyond thankful for all those who lovingly support my career. It has been such a blessing to have fans that have been with me since the late 80’s to now, along with a whole new generation who show so much kindness. It really is something to know that there is such diversity in the people who appreciate all my endeavors, be it musical or theatrical. I don’t take that lightly or for granted. I will always push to give my absolute best of who I am because they are a huge part of why and how I get to live my dream! Because of them and so much more, I still believe,” Riley said.
The play is now available for purchase on DVD. Click HERE for more information.
Check out the trailer below:
Photo Courtesy of: Steven Williams
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