“Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play”:
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Stage Play (Filmed Performance)
Directed by: Tyler Perry
Starring: Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Kwaylon Rogers
“Madea’s Farewell Play” is the final stage appearance of Tyler Perry as the beloved, tough-talking matriarch Madea Simmons — a character that has become a cultural icon through Perry’s plays, films, and television appearances. In this emotional yet hilariously outrageous stage play, Madea gathers her family one last time for a reunion filled with secrets, confrontations, laughter, and love.
The play centers around a young college graduate who is about to move forward with his life, but family drama — from generational conflict to long-held secrets — threatens to derail the celebration. Madea, as always, brings her own brand of tough love, sharp wit, and no-nonsense wisdom to set everyone straight.
- Family unity vs. dysfunction
- Generational differences
- Letting go and growing up
- Redemption and forgiveness
- The power of humor in healing
While full of classic Madea-style humor — loud arguments, slapstick comedy, and unforgettable one-liners — the play also has emotional depth, offering a farewell not just to the character, but to the community and values she represents. It’s a heartfelt goodbye wrapped in laughter.
Unlike a traditional film, this is a filmed stage play, capturing the live performance complete with an audience, theatrical staging, and musical numbers. It was released on BET+ in 2020 and serves as both an end to the Madea stage play series and a tribute to Tyler Perry’s beginnings in theater.
Madea’s Farewell Play was meant to mark the retirement of the Madea character, but due to overwhelming fan support and Perry’s own change of heart, the character returned in “A Madea Homecoming” (2022) and the upcoming “Madea’s Destination Wedding” (2025).
