Carl Payne Directs & Stars In New Je’Caryous Johnson Stage Play, ‘Games Women Play’

Award-winning playwright and producer Je’Caryous Johnson is already hard at work on his next project, even though his current project, Jason’s Lyric is still currently on tour.  His next project is directed by actor, Carl Payne, who is known for starring on “Martin” and “The Cosby Show” among other things.  Je’Caryous Johnson’s Games Women Play stage play originally premiered in February for a three-day run in Washington, D.C., but is set to embark on the tour in second week of May 2025.

Carl Payne also stars in his directorial debut, along with with an incredibly well rounded cast, which includes, Jill Marie Jones, Apryl Jones, Brian J. White, Demetrius Mckinney, Chico Bean, Flex Alexander and Claudia Jordan.

Described as a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, romance, and shocking twists, Je’Caryous Johnson’s Games Women Play stage play reveals the lengths people go to protect what they hold dear. With love, money, and ambition on the line, who’s playing who—and who will walk away with it all?

Here’s the full synopsis for Games Women Play Stage Play

Meet Caleb Peterson (CARL PAYNE), a successful financial advisor with charm for days and a fiancée, Paisley Terrell (JILL MARIE JONES), who is every man’s dream. But when Caleb proposes on a live podcast and drops a prenup bombshell, their seemingly perfect love life spirals into a game of emotional tug-of-war. Is it about love, or is someone playing for keeps?

As tensions rise, the games intensify. Paisley wrestles with her desire for security and her commitment to love. Caleb tries to protect his heart and his fortune, and a cast of unforgettable characters—like Trina, Paisley’s sassy and fiercely loyal best friend, and Damon (CHICO BEAN), Caleb’s hilarious, scheme-loving brother—add to the chaos. To make things even messier, Paisley’s ex, Bobby Tremaine (BRIAN J. WHITE), resurfaces with big money moves and even bigger surprises, forcing her to make the ultimate choice: follow her heart or play to win?

Playwright, Author & Producer Extraordinaire Je’Caryous Johnson

Je’Caryous Johnson is a 4-time national championship playwright.  He first gained attention as one of the youngest producers and playwrights garnering media attention, when he adapted bestselling books into plays.  Then he wrote a novel and turned that into a play as well, “Men, Money & Gold Diggers.” He followed that with the play and novel, “Whatever She Wants.”  More recently he has adapted films into plays, including the aforementioned Jason’s Lyric, and New Jack City.

Je’Caryous also penned the bestselling nonfiction book, “I’m a Good Man… You’re a Good Woman…”

Games Women Play Stage play tour dates

May 9, 2025: Indianapolis, IN, at Murat Theatre.
May 10, 2025: Chicago, IL, at Arie Crown Theater.
May 11, 2025: St. Louis, MO, at Stifel Theatre.
May 15, 2025: Greensboro, NC, at Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.
May 16, 2025: Atlanta, GA, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
May 17, 2025: Atlanta, GA, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
May 18, 2025: Charlotte, NC, at Ovens Auditorium