I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All by Myself is a 1999 American stage play written, directed and produced by and starring Tyler Perry. The play marks for the first official appearance of the well-known fictional character Madea, who is portrayed by Perry. Although the original production wasn't recorded, the live performance that was released on DVD and VHS was recorded live in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Theatre in August 2002. DVD plot Act One Vianne, who in the middle of settling a bitter divorce with her ex-husband Anthony– a successful stock broker, has moved in with her grandmother, Mable "Madea" Simmons. Madea is sick with complications from her diabetes. Another person Madea is helping out is Bobby, an ex-con. Bobby is Madea's handyman and usually cuts her grass. Both Madea and Vianne find him very attractive, though Vianne would not like to admit it. Vianne's niece, Keisha, is also staying with Madea. Keisha's mother, Maylee shows up to her school wearing a blond wig and a mini-skirt, embarrassing Keisha. Maylee later pops up at the house announcing her engagement to none other than Vianne's ex-husband, Anthony. Keisha is resentful towards her mother for being away for so long. When Anthony calls, Maylee drops everything to assist him, leaving Keisha all alone (Motherless Child). Cora, Madea's daughter, arrives, announcing she is only staying for the weekend, as she lives out of town. Keisha confides in her aunt about her troubles with the kids at school as they all bully her except for one kid, named Kelly. Madea's next door neighbor, Mr. Brown, also drops by and brings in her mail. While everyone is preparing for dinner, Bobby, taking a shower, runs downstairs to get some soap. While Bobby and Vianne flirt with each other, Madea can tell that Vianne secretly likes him. Tensions are high during dinner as Bobby and Anthony debate over their religious beliefs and Anthony insults Madea. The family then reminisces over their time in the church choir, singing old gospel favorites (Old Time Mix). Tensions blow soon after when Anthony starts insulting Vianne. Maylee and Vianne then get into a spat of their own. This leads a hurt Vianne to pull a knife on Anthony, alarming everybody. The entire family disperses, except Cora, who tries to calm Vianne down. Vianne, left with all the rubble of the night, tries to reflect (Lord I'm Sorry).