Podcast: Essence Atkins Talks about Men, Money and Gold Diggers 
(BlackPressMagazine .com) -- I spent last evening with three hunky celebrities: Actor Carl Payne ("Cole" from Martin), R&B singers Ginuwine and Tank, who has the biggest, Arsenio Hall/Bill Clinton hands a girl has ever seen. It was more than fun and at times even a little embarrassing but I'm doing it again on Friday night.
That's where I caught up with actress Essence Atkins, (left in pink), who gained fame for her roles on UPN's Half and Half and the hit movie, Deliver us from Eva starring LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union. Atkins is starring in the astounding hit play Men, Money and Gold Diggers starring Robin Givens, Terri Vaughn ("LaVita" Steve Harvey Show).
With all that man candy, it was surprising that the brothers seemed to be having the most fun. One male attendee got so caught up in the moment as Payne's character said, "If a woman wasn't looking for a target then what I'm wearing and driving shouldn't matter." At the top of his lungs he yelled out, "Yeah! That's right! I heard that!"
When his girlfriend slapped his arm in anger, he smiled and responded, "Baby, I'm just providing some crowd participation." But, she soon found her "payback" when Robin Givens said, "A six figure income and a 2 dollar heart is not worth anything to me."
I caught up with Alisha McCall, a 27 year-old resident of Landover, Maryland, the hometown of funnyman Martin Lawrence who shelled out $42.50 for a ticket to the play.
"This play is excellent, outgoing and very truthful. It's real put together. she said.
So should Tyler Perry, who's newest play debuts in January 2007 feel threatened? McCall thinks so.
"I'd put [Tyler and Je'Caryous] neck-to-neck," said McCall. "If I were Tyler [Perry], I would have to up mine. He needs more people. He's trying to give everyone a chance but this play has a great cast of characters. They should do a duel. Now that what's up."
Upcoming Shows:
Portsmouth, VA Willet Hall Nov 9 - 12th
Dallas, TX Brutton Theater (BAAL) Nov 14 - 19th
